A LIGHT TO HER STUDENTS: Principal Ashley Lane, left, and Assistant Principal Michael Rigdon congratulate Melissa O’Neal for being named Cross Creek’s Teacher of the Year.

THOMASVILLE — Melissa O’Neal is Cross Creek Elementary School’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year. O’Neal was selected through nominations from her teacher colleagues as well as through an interview process with past Teachers of the Year at the school.

O’Neal is honored and looking forward to representing Cross Creek Elementary School. She is always willing to collaborate with school staff and wants to be a positive influence.

Cross Creek Principal Ashley Lane said that O’Neal serves as a leader for her colleagues.

“She engages in curriculum planning to assist teachers with instruction and to ensure all standards are taught during the course of the school year,” said Lane.

Cross Creek’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Jamie Whigham said that O’Neal is a pleasure to work with and was delighted to gain more insight about O’Neal’s classroom where she is willing to use the best instructional practices to meet the needs of all of her students.

“Ms. O’Neal creates a classroom that is a place to learn and grow,” said Whigham. “She genuinely loves her students and greets them at the door with a hug every day.” Lane added, “Ms. O’Neal has a true heart for teaching. She embraces the profession and dedicates her time and attention to the needs of her students. She often states that her students are her heart.”

O’Neal is a firm believer in the power of emotional connection in teaching. She believes that students need to feel loved and valued as individuals before they can be taught anything academically. She has a core belief that a nurturing, loving, safe classroom environment fosters academic achievement, and emphasizes the importance of making personal connections with her students. By creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, O’Neal believes that students will thrive and become the best learners they can be.

Kelli Dorminey (Teacher of the Year 2016-17) said that it is evident that O’Neal genuinely cares about her students.

“She looks forward to coming to work every day,” said Dorminey.

Blaine Brooks (Teacher of the Year 2018-19) also noted O’Neal’s talent is building relationships with her students while meeting their needs academically and emotionally.

O’Neal’s philosophy on student achievement is rooted in the belief that all students have the potential to succeed, and that it is the responsibility of educators to provide them with the support and resources they need to achieve their full potential.

“I support student achievement by providing students with engaging and challenging learning experiences, using a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, setting high expectations and goals for student learning, and providing timely and constructive feedback to help students improve,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal’s focus on a positive learning environment that promotes collaboration, respect, and social-emotional learning is also critical for student achievement.

“I strive to create a safe and supportive classroom culture that encourages students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and develop a growth mindset,” said O’Neal.

O’Neal credits mentors and colleagues who have provided guidance, support, and inspiration to her throughout her teaching career and ultimately contributed to her success as a teacher. Her students and their families have also had a significant impact on her career.

“The positive feedback and recognition from students and their families have been a powerful motivator, while constructive feedback has also helped me reflect on my teaching practices and make improvements,” O’Neal added.

O’Neal’s own family and children (Sara, Jackson, and Chloe) have been her biggest supporters and motivators, and she is thankful for the Thomas County School System and the amazing support and opportunities that have been given to her.

O’Neal holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading from Thomas University as well as endorsements in Gifted Education and ESOL (English to Speakers of other Languages).

O’Neal is currently pursuing her Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership while working as a Graduate Assistant at Thomas University. O’Neal currently teaches 3rd grade, having previously taught pre-kindergarten, 1st grade, 4th grade and 3rd grade for a total of 21 years in the Thomas County School System.

O’Neal has taught various academic levels such as special education inclusion, ESOL, and gifted students. O’Neal has served on many committees including PBIS, Accelerated Reader, School Leadership, and English/Language Arts Curriculum teams each year.