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2006 Teacher of the Year - Region II

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Kevin Peoples - Region II

Biographical Information

Kevin Peoples was born in Gainesville, Florida, to Alfred and the late Patricia Peoples. He graduated from Buchholz High School and continued his education at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta on a football scholarship, graduating with a B.S. in Business Management. He is a husband and father of two children, Kevin, 10, and Jordon, 8.

After exploring the world of management, Peoples decided to teach and coach. He began coaching football at his alma mater after being hired as a Drop-Out Prevention teacher, but later left coaching and joined the Juvenile Detention Center. Once Peoples joined the Center, he realized that he enjoyed working with this population of children and has taught there for six years. He has been excited to teach from the first day he stepped into the classroom.

Teaching Philosophy

“Everyday, as an educator, I try to figure out the best way to reach and educate my students. My first step is advice that I received from my father (a retired teacher of 38 years). He told me that, “if there is a will to do something then there is a way to do it.” My will to educate the leaders of tomorrow goes far beyond receiving a paycheck or simply being a “teacher.” It is my desire and passion to drive my students so that they realize the abilities they posses. I yearn to give them confidence to do the things that they never dreamt of doing. I want them to realize that they control their own destiny.”

“I feel in order for me to effectively teach students, I must first reach them. I must build a sense of trust and respect. I feel that education is not only for my students but also for me. Each day I take something home from my day in the classroom that allows me to build on my goal of being an effective teacher. I am driven by what I call “the light.” When I see the “the light” go on in a student’s head, it gives me an inner glow. It drives me to switch on other “lights” in the class so that a bright radiance can be seen in my classroom. In my experience of teaching in the juvenile detention setting, I see many children who seem to have lost hope, but who have the potential to grow with the right motivation and encouragement. I challenge myself to be creative and to give the necessary energy to motivate my students so that they have the best chance to reach their potential.”

“In order to keep my goals in perspective, I make it a priority to collaborate with other teachers and administrators on strategies, issues and concerns they may have. I also utilize their suggestions as a way to better manage student behavior in the classroom. Likewise, working with the detention staff is critical to my success with the kids. It is important for me to understand the juvenile justice expectations so that I may incorporate and enforce these procedures in my class in order for the students to experience a wonderful learning environment. I participate on an educational advisory committee (a committee where juvenile detention staff and administrators collaborate with school staff and administrators on how to meet our respective goals), which helps me understand the juvenile justice goals for the students.”

“My efforts and the support and aid of administrators allow me to accomplish much in the juvenile detention facility. The administration keeps motivated and boosts my confidence in what I can do. I also give credit to the juvenile detention staff that ensures my classroom is maintained as a good learning environment. I have been in the juvenile detention facility for a total of five years and I have seen a significant change in my classroom. There is increased class participation. I have seen students show a greater desire to learn. Students who have been out of school for some time show an interest in learning. Those in public schools feel they have learned more in a shorter period of time, and most of all, the students seem to enjoy my classroom environment.”

“Working in the juvenile detention setting is most enjoyable. I feel that I positively impact the lives of children I might not have otherwise met. I infuse my love for teaching into every lesson plan. I also have the opportunity to witness the growth and confidence in these young children. Lastly, I can give hope to kids who thought they had no future.”