As a third grade teacher at Matt Arthur Elementary, Andy Payne made sure that he built positive relationships with his students. After being promoted to Assistant Principal for Kings Chapel elementary and Perry Primary school he is now able to interact with even more young minds.


SCHOOL: Matt Arthur Elementary School (I am now at Kings Chapel Elementary and Perry Primary School as their Assistant Principal.)


GRADE (or class taught): 3rd Grade


BACKGROUND: (Where from, schools attended, year graduated, colleges attended and degrees, how long teaching and how long teaching in Houston County.) I am a product of the Houston County School System. I went to Parkwood Elementary, Northside Junior High, and Northside High School (Class of ’95). I graduated from Mercer Universtity in 1999, got my Master’s degree from Mercer in 2007, and am currently working on my PhD from Mercer University in hopes to be finished the summer of 2011. This is my 12th year teaching. I taught 1 year of third grade at Westside Elementary, and 10 years at Matt Arthur Elementary teaching FOCUS, 4th grade, and 3rd grade.


WHY TEACHING?: When I was a kid my teachers impacted my life. I have many who made a difference but my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Payne, Coach Daughtry at Northside Junior, and Mr. Ray Horne at Northside High School all impacted my life in a way that I wanted to teach. These teachers showed me how you can truly influence someone and make a difference in their life. I’ve been blessed to have great teachers, but these three truly made a difference in mine. They helped me grow not only as a student but as a person as well, and I wanted to do the same thing for others as they have done for me. I hope that I can impact a child’s life the way mine was impacted by these great teachers.


BEST PART OF TEACHING: The best part of teaching is watching a child learn and get excited because they pushed themselves to new levels. When a child exceeds all expectations, it’s truly one of the best feelings around.


MOST CHALLENGING PART OF TEACHING: The most challenging part of teaching is time management. There is a lot to get done in a short amount of time and it’s tough at times to get it all done. Teachers are some of the hardest workers around and they strive to make sure all kids are successful, but it does get tough at times to manage your time to fit everything in.



IF NOT TEACHING, WHAT?: (ever consider another profession?) I would love to have been an actor or a Christian singer but those were dreams. J I would probably have gone to law school if I wouldn’t have gone into teaching.


ADVICE TO STUDENTS: Always believe in yourself and never give up. Also, believe in others and be kind to people. Most importantly realize that it’s okay if you don’t get everything right all of the time. Just keep striving to do your best and push yourself to be better all of the time. “Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best!” This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It just means to never give up and always try to be better than you were the day before.


ADVICE TO PARENTS: Read with your children. Spend time talking to them and listening to their problems. Finally, accept your children for who they are and what they are capable of doing. Every child is special and with great parents by their side they can achieve greatness!


HOME LIFE: (Spouse, how long married, children and ages and schools attending, pets and names, outside interests such as hobbies or volunteer efforts, church membership) I am married to Heather Payne, and we have been married for 3 years. We have custody of our niece Mya who is about to be 3 years old in September and she is a blessing to our family. Outside of work I enjoy doing theatre, going to church (Bonaire UMC), spending time with my family, and watching/playing sports.