Get to Know: Minor Teacher of the Year Shawna Voigt

Last week Lilburn Patch highlighted the program when 30 students received New Balance shoes for the program. It was Shawna Voigt who got the program running, so to speak, at Minor.

Her hard work and dedication earned her the distinction of being named "Teacher of the Year" at the school.

Voigt grew up in Minnesota and after graduating high school moved to Tennessee to play volleyball at Tusculum College. This is where she got a bachelor’s degree in Education.

After graduating, she took a job at Minor Elementary and has been there for the past four years. She taught third grade the first two years, and this is her second year teaching kindergarten.

She received her Master’s degree in Elementary Mathematics last year from Walden University and plans to pursue a specialist degree in the future. Her parents, younger brother, and all other relatives live in Minnesota. Voigt enjoys playing sports and being active. She loves to spend time outside, relaxing away from the hustle of the city. To Voigt, reading and spending time with friends and family is an important aspect of life.

Lilburn Patch talked to Voigt about her love for teaching and the Girls on the Run program she has brought to Minor.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
I am not sure if there is a specific thing that inspired me to become a teacher. I was always the child playing school with the neighborhood children making sure I was the teacher. Growing up, I loved working with children but was unsure if teaching was the career path I wanted. In college, I was walking back from volunteering at a school when I realized in my heart that I was supposed to teach.

What has being recognized as “Teacher of the Year” meant to you?
It is an honor to be recognized for doing something that I love. I genuinely love coming to work every day and I am blessed to have this job.

Why do you think you were chosen as "Teacher of the Year"?
I don’t know exactly why each person voted as they did. But I hope they chose me because I am compassionate, hardworking, a positive role model, and have a passion for what I do.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is watching the children gain understanding and knowledge. Watching them grow academically and as a person is the best part of my job. I love seeing their faces when they know something new. The pride they exude when they gain a greater understanding is priceless.  

What is the biggest challenge or frustration in teaching?
There are always challenges and frustrations in any job. It is how we respond to the challenge that makes all the difference.

Where did you learn about Girls on the Run?
I was a buddy runner with one of the girls that participated in Girls on the Run at the school in Tennessee I worked at before moving to Georgia. I thought the program was great and had hopes of starting a team when I had a full-time teaching position.

How did you get the Girls on the Run program started at Minor?
After I finished my Master’s program, I felt I had the time to put in to starting Girls on the Run at Minor Elementary. I looked for the local Girls on the Run chapter and filled out a site application for 15 full scholarships for our girls at Minor. Once I found out we were awarded the scholarships, I promoted the program, found two other coaches and hoped 15 girls would be interested enough to fill out the paperwork and join.

How many girls participated in the Girls on the Run program at Minor?
Last spring I had 18 girls who wanted to join and had to turn away three since the program only allowed for 15 girls per team. This year I was able to secure 30 scholarships, allowing us to have two teams and I have recruited three new coaches. There were 54 girls interested in joining this fall which means I had to turn away 24 girls. I am hoping we will possibly be able to add a third team in the spring. This of course would depend on me being able to recruit more coaches and secure more scholarships. Even though I had to turn away girls, I know this fall I am able to offer this wonderful program to 15 more girls than I was able to last spring. I hope to touch as many lives as possible through this program.

What does the program do for the girls physically and mentally?
In my words: The program teaches girls to be positive, responsible and active while working on self-esteem and appreciating who they are and what they have to offer the world.

Do you see the girls pick up their grades while on the program?
I think that the program teaches our girls responsibility and leadership, which can definitely spill over into the classroom. It is ultimately up to each individual to use what they learn and apply it into other areas of their lives. I think many of our girls choose to share what they are learning with others and use it to make their lives more positive whether it is in the classroom or out in the world.