Genifer Redmon Chooses Kindness and Respect

Genifer Redmon didn't start her career as a school teacher, but from the sounds of it, it's likely she might finish it as one.

Redmon, a graduate of Webber International University, spent six years working as the office manager at a property management firm, but for a time as the university's cheerleading coach as well.

It was that part of her work on Crooked Lake that inspired her to a new profession, and the title of Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School of Environmental Studies Teacher of the Year for 2018-19.

"Impacting the lives of the student-athletes on my team, reminded me of my love for helping others. With a new sense of purpose and the support of my family, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a job in education," she recalled.

Nine months after first being hired as a substitute, she got a full-time position at JHW in 2014, where she currently teaches fourth and fifth grade math and science.

Her road into the classroom was paved in large part by her mother, a special education teacher.

"My mother is a shining example of what a teacher of the year is. Seriously, I think she's been awarded the title three times, but more importantly she instilled in me to always try to help others, choosing kindness and respect along the way," Redmon said.

She credited her husband Michael for playing a large part in her career change as well.

"My husband was my biggest push. He knew I was unhappy with working as an office manager and although financially it would put a burden on our family for a while, he assured me everything was going to work itself out. He has and continues to support me every step of the way," she said.

Each day in the classroom provides new challenges, and new rewards, large and small, she observed.

"It's when they come back to visit once they are no longer in your class. It's the relationships you build with your students and their families that make it all worth it," she added. "A good day in my classroom is a day where I know connections have been made, when my students are engaged in the lessons, there has been plenty of laughter, hard work and when I know that I have helped make a difference."