Alisha Rutherford - GES Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Alisha Rutherford - Gallman Elementary Teacher of the Year!

"I am a product of Newberry County Schools so teaching in the district in which I grew up has been very rewarding. It is an honor to pour back into my community. Our town is small enough where I am able to see former students as they grow up. It is always uplifting when former students see me and ask, 'Do you remember me?'"

HOMETOWN: Newberry
HIGH SCHOOL: Mid-Carolina High School
COLLEGE: Winthrop University
YEARS IN EDUCATION: 23
FAVORITE BOOK: Marva Collins' Way
HOBBIES: Making memories with my son, spending time with my family and friends, shopping, reading, community service with my sorority - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, attending sporting events
IF I WEREN’T A TEACHER, I WOULD BE...a secretary! I enjoy completing paperwork (typing, filing, organizing, talking on the phone, writing, greeting & helping people).

FAVORITE TEACHER: I've been blessed and have so many teachers that have impacted my life. Mrs. Emily Crump-Saddler was my Home Economics teacher in high school. She opened my eyes to what I would face as an adult and always gave us advice that I still remember and live by to this day. She was very strict but caring and loving. We knew she was genuine and she is like a mother figure to me as well as many others. She has forever made a lasting impression on my life and I thank her for all she instilled in me as a female, a mother, and now an educator.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Receiving letters from former students updating me on their progress and accomplishments. This has happened several times and it's such an awesome feeling to know you're remembered and thought of enough to have someone reach back out and tell me of how they remember me, what I taught them, and what their current plans are.