Jarman Elementary -  Amber Sutphin, kindergarten

Kindergarten teacher Amber Sutphin has been named Teacher of the Year at Jarman Elementary School.

“When I was a student in high school, my school offered several programs that allowed their students to get exposure to different careers. During my senior year, I got an opportunity to intern at an elementary school in my community,” Sutphin said. “On my first day, I was told to sit with several students and listen as they read. Every student that joined me was so excited to read to me and I was just as thrilled to sit down and share my love of reading with them. From the moment I stepped into that school, I felt as if I was home, and I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

Sutphin has been with Union since 2011.

“When I think back on the teachers that made an impact on my life, they had several things in common. They always made learning fun, they were always there to listen to me, and they made me feel safe and a part of their family. These qualities have always been my focus in the classroom.  I am very grateful for each student that has stepped foot in my classroom.  They have been a part of our class family and as they move up each grade, they continue to stay a part of our class family.”

Sutphin received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Augusta University in 2004. “When I moved to Oklahoma, I became certified in both early childhood education and elementary education,” Sutphin said. “I am currently in the process of studying to gain an English as a Second Language certification.”