6th-year educator named Sumter Christian School Teacher of the Year

Tammy Adams has been selected as Teacher of the Year at Sumter Christian School for the 2018-19 school year.

Adams has a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina. She graduated from Sumter Christian School and is one of five alumni on staff. She is finishing her sixth year at Sumter Christian School and teaches kindergarten. She also helps as needed in the office and in after care.

Adams is a native of Sumter, the daughter of Phillip and Kathryn Ahtonen. She is married to David Adams, who teaches part-time at Sumter Christian School and coaches junior varsity boys basketball. They have three children, one of whom is still at home, and one grandchild. Her hobbies include cross-stitching and reading. She is a member of Sumter Bible Church, where she volunteers in the nursery and helps coordinate Vacation Bible School each summer.

When asked what she likes best about teaching, she replied, "Teaching children to read."

As for her philosophy of education, Adams said, "My students know that it is OK to make mistakes, but it is not OK to give up and quit trying."

When colleagues were asked to offer comments about Adams, the responses included the following statements: "She is very compassionate and has been a big help to me as a first-year teacher at SCS." "She is enthusiastically supportive of the administration and the school." "Tammy is a team player and strives for excellence in the classroom." "She loves children and is always encouraging them to do their best." One teacher said, "She is so patient and knows how to handle each situation that arises." Another teacher said Adams reminds her of Matthew 25:21: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Her principal says, "Tammy is very organized and punctual with all her responsibilities. She communicates well with the parents of her students. She does a tremendous job planning the kindergarten and pre-school graduation. Her consistent, gentle spirit and her love for children make her an exceptional kindergarten teacher."