Students inspire new teacher Carlee Berry

A person’s first job after college can be an eye-opening experience and can help that person learn about themselves and their work. For Carlee Berry, her first job as a teacher has taught her new things about teaching and her students.

Berry is a kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School.

“I originally went to school wanting to be a math teacher and ended up changing my major to elementary education instead. I feel like that was the better choice for me, and I haven’t looked back since,” Berry said.

She said she enjoys teaching math and has always loved it, but through this new experience, she has learned that she enjoys teaching reading as well.

“It really opens my eyes to see how quick and how well my kids can catch on to reading skills. It makes teaching very rewarding,” Berry said.

Teaching in general is something Berry said she has always found rewarding.

“I chose the education field because since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a teacher. It’s just something I felt that I was supposed to do,” she said.

Berry said she is motivated by her students and inspired by their willingness to learn.

“Their little minds are eager, and it motivates me to want to continue to teach them and help them grasp all the knowledge they can take in,” she said.

Berry said her students help make any gloomy day happy and bright.