Smith County Insider “Educator Spotlight”: Renee Tisdale

May 7, 2020

Smith County Insider’s “Educator Spotlight” series is our way of celebrating the incredible educators in Smith County who go above and beyond for their students, both inside and outside of the classroom!

Smith County Educator Renee Tisdale

Today’s “Educator Spotlight” features Renee Tisdale, 3rd grade ELA teacher at Gordonsville Elementary.

Renee has been an educator for 37 years. During her time as a teacher, she has taught kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.

Renee was born and lived in Newnan, Georgia until she was 9 years old. Her father worked for the Bonnell Company, so when the Tennessee plant opened, her family moved to Gordonsville.

Smith County Insider interviewed Renee about her experiences as an educator, and this is what she had to say.

SCI: When did you realize that you wanted to be a teacher?

RT: I cannot remember a time when I did not want to be a teacher! From the time I was in 1st grade whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would tell them I wanted to be a teacher. When I was 9 or 10 years old, I would pay my younger brother and sister money from my allowance if they would play school with me.

SCI: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

RT: The most rewarding part of my job is watching students have those “light bulb” moments, where they finally understand something that they have struggled to learn. It is so important for them to understand that the struggle to success is often long and messy, but ultimately the reward is worth the work. In education, we try to instill in our students the importance of the word “Yet”. They know that if they say, “I don’t understand” or “I don’t get it”, they must put the word ‘yet” at the end of that sentence. I tell them often that if they knew everything already Mrs. Tisdale would not have a job anymore!

SCI: What inspires you?

RT: My students inspire me! I see the way they help and encourage each other when someone is struggling or having a bad day. I see how they rally around others when things get tough, or how they greet and make welcome new students. I believe we adults could learn a lot from children when it comes to being accepting and encouraging to others. I have always drawn inspiration from the teachers, staff, and administrators that I have been blessed to work with through the years. I have never been more inspired by them than through this Covid-19 pandemic. The way everyone has pulled together to provide instruction, materials, computers, and food for our children has been unbelievable to see. There are no words to say how inspiring it has been to watch the way our school nutrition staff has provided for the physical needs of our children during this time.

SCI: What’s the best piece of advice you have for your students?

RT: I want to tell my students to always believe in themselves and their ability to overcome any obstacle. I don’t want them to believe that where they start is where they have to stay. Many children live in difficult circumstances not of their making, but they don’t have to feel destined to stay in it forever. I want them to understand that their character, and not their circumstance is what should define them, so they should strive to be the best ‘them’ they can be.

SCI: What do you like to do in your free time?

RT: I enjoy going to church, reading, cooking, and just spending time with my family. I love going to the beach and visiting relatives in Georgia.

SCI: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of Smith County Insider?

RT: I know that I am so incredibly blessed to have been able to have the career that I dreamed about from a young age. I want to thank everyone who helped me on this journey through the years, especially my students. These are troubling times for us all, but Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope & and a future.” We have incredible young people in Smith County, and I believe they have a bright future ahead.

Thank you for your many years of teaching and dedication to your students, Renee!

Don’t miss Smith County Insider’s next “Educator Spotlight”!

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