By ROB NOVIT
Senior writer
One wouldn't call the annual Aiken County Teacher of the Year banquet overly stuffy by any means, but it is a rather formal event. Then Gaye Pappas was named the new district teacher of the year at the banquet last week. Things got a bit more informal in a hurry, thanks to her hearty laughter and infectious smiles that never seem to go away.
At Paul Knox Middle School the next day, Pappas was still smiling in her special needs classroom as she accepted congratulations from students and faculty members.
"I'm just a hot dog and blue jeans kind of girl," she said cheerfully.
But Pappas is also a serious professional with 34 years of experience, even as she describes herself as an education "gypsy." Her husband Ted is an accountant /troubleshooter, and the couple has moved often.
Pappas has taught in seven South Carolina school districts and three other states. She has worked with special education, including administration, for most of her career, but in recent years taught science in a Dorchester District 2 middle school. When she interviewed with principal Brenda Smith at Paul Knox three years ago, Pappas was ready to return to special education.
"I've been extremely pleased how the faculty has accepted me, and I'm proud to be a part of it," she said. "The kids had a party for me and the faculty did, too, and I was amazed."
Pappas spent the early part of her childhood in the small town of Manchester, Ga. Her military dad was overseas much of that time, and her grandfather, W.G. Herry - a minister and farmer - was a big influence.
"He always let me follow him as he trooped through the woods," she said. "He had such a love of nature, and the Georgia pines still speak to me."
Her mother and other relatives, including those dating back to the 1700s, were teachers. After enrolling at Winthrop University in the early 1970s, Pappas was steered to special education by a professor, Dr. John Gallien.
She felt drawn to that field, recognizing that for many years, special needs children rarely could get an education. Pappas took a course in special education "and yes, this was something I could do," she said. "We have a responsibly to care for one another."
In a professional biography written for the teacher of the year competition, Pappas believes her biggest contribution is the progress that so many of her students made through hard work. Over the years she has received invitations from former students for their high school graduations and weddings.
She helped Carl, an eighth-grader and non-reader, learn to read during lunch every day. Pappas worked with LaKeisha, who in desperation had written "help me" over and over on a test she didn't understand. Hank was a ninth-grader - big and tough-looking and intimidating. But he had no mother and no support and was ready to drop out of school until Pappas took an interest in him. Today he's married with children and operates his own welding business.
"I believe it takes courage to teach," Pappas wrote. "... We teach so many broken children who are in need of more from us than we, as a profession, have ever been asked to give. If a teacher has courage, he or she will take risks necessary to achieve the excellence that is so essential to a child's learning."
Pappas loves her kids at Paul Knox and can't help but smile when she sees them, so full of joy. Previously, she taught most of them all day in self-contained classes, but the district now has inclusion with traditional classes in science and social students. That's a process that's still being worked out, Pappas said.
"But today was a beautiful day," she said Monday, "to see the progress they've made, the 100s they've made on quizzes. The other teachers themselves are so willing for me to help. It's amazing how accepting they have been."
Pappas welcomes the opportunity to serve as an "encourager" for young teachers. But she is still amazed that she has been chosen to represent the district's teachers for the next year.
"I don't think it has sunk in yet," Pappas said. "It's such an honor, but I'm extremely humbled. There are so many master teachers at this school. I'm not the finest teacher you will ever meet, but this year I'll speak for the finest."
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.
It is especially nice to have other people recognize my sweet sister for her hard work. When she was in grade school, she played with a little girl who had serious health issues. I wondered if knowing her contributed to her decision to become a special education teacher.
Gaye has active compassion. She doesn't stop in the classroom. Her love for others is demonstrated daily.
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