Jamie Whigham is Cross Creek Elementary School’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year for the Thomas County School System.

Whigham was selected through nominations from her teacher colleagues that included observations about her caring nature toward students and how Whigham goes beyond what is required to benefit students. Whigham was honored by her selection.

“I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have this opportunity to represent my school,” Whigham said. “Cross Creek is the place where I have grown as a teacher and a person as a whole.”

Whigham’s instructional practices allow her to connect with her third-grade students as they take ownership in their learning, and she is willing to collaborate with her colleagues and the families of her students. 

Whigham believes that communication is key when it comes to involving families in their students’ education.

“Not only should the teachers involve parents, but it also takes the parents involving the teachers,” Whigham said. “We are a team and are here to help each and every child be successful.”

Whigham added that she and the parents stand as a united front which shows the students how important they are and that they are sincerely loved by not only their parents, but also their teachers.

Cross Creek Principal Ashley Lane said that she and the entire school are proud to have Whigham represent their school.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Mrs. Whigham,” Lane said. “She makes learning exciting for her students and serves as a leader for our staff.”   

Whigham instills in her students that no matter how challenging a task may be, they should never give up on their goals, their hopes, and their dreams.

“I tell them, ‘Never let failure defeat you!’” stressed Whigham.

Whigham considers it her job to be a positive role model and to push students through hard times and encourage them to keep moving forward.

“It is during these times that they not only improve on their responses but also their confidence,” she said.

Whigham’s teaching career began in 2014 in the Thomas County School System at Cross Creek after earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Thomas University. She has taught third grade during all eight years of her experience with the district. Whigham has since earned her Master of Education in Elementary Education from Georgia Southwestern University.

“This career is not just a job for me, it’s a journey!” Whigham said.