Shutts named Sumter Christian School Teacher of the Year for 2023-24

Autumn Shutts has been selected as Sumter Christian Teacher of the Year for the 2023-24 school year. Shutts received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Crown College in Powell, Tennessee. She taught kindergarten in West Virginia for seven years before moving to South Carolina and has been teaching kindergarten at Sumter Christian since August 2022. She also assists in the aftercare program at the school. In 2018, she received the Certificate of Recognition for Dedication and Excellence at Lewisburg Baptist Academy in West Virginia.

Shutts, the daughter of Hallam and Lisa Shutts, is from Mattoon, Illinois. Her hobbies include reading, traveling and spending time with her family and her dog, Toby Winston. She is a faithful member of Sumter Bible Church, the founding church of Sumter Christian School. When asked what she likes best about teaching, she replied, "It is an exciting way to make a difference in a child's life. There is nothing more joyful than seeing the excitement in a child's eyes as he understands a new concept or reads his first word."

When asked about her philosophy of education, Shutts responded, "I believe education should be more than just simply teaching facts, though that certainly is important and should be a priority; however, I believe that the goal of education is to prepare students for their future. As teachers, we are helping children build a foundation for their lives and their futures as well."

When colleagues were asked to offer comments about Shutts, the responses included: "Autumn has been a great addition to our school. She is very committed to helping her students be successful learners." Another teacher said, "I especially enjoy watching her class perform during chapel time. Her diligent work as a teacher is evident in the students' presentations of verses, poems, and songs. She is a wonderful asset to our SCS team." Another colleague writes, "Autumn is a gracious and kind person to work with. My daughter is blessed to have such a patient and talented teacher for kindergarten. She not only teaches them the academic areas, but she also teaches them how to be gracious, kind, patient, considerate of others, and how to love God and His Word."

"Autumn Shutts is an exemplary kindergarten teacher," said SCS Principal Matthew Marritt. "Her careful attention to academic instruction and organization in her classroom is a model to her peers. Her gentle and calm spirit within the classroom communicates an atmosphere of kindness and orderliness. Additionally, she demonstrates Christ's love each day through her communication and actions towards her students, their families, and her peers."