Andrea Rankin
2024-25 Teacher of the Year: North Elementary
Question-Answer Session
Andrea RankinHow Long Have You Been Part of the PGCPS Family?
I began my time in Prince George in 2000 as a 6th-grade student at N.B. Clements Middle School, part of the last group of 6th graders to attend the school. I later attended J.E.J. Moore, N.B. Clements Jr. High, and graduated from Prince George High School in 2007. When I graduated from James Madison University in 2011 I was a substitute at multiple elementary schools across the district but spent a lot of time at Harrison Elementary. After starting my teaching career in Florida, I returned to the district as an educator at North Elementary School in 2019 in First Grade. I am currently teaching Kindergarten in my 6th year in Prince George County.
I began my time in Prince George in 2000 as a 6th-grade student at N.B. Clements Middle School, part of the last group of 6th graders to attend the school. I later attended J.E.J. Moore, N.B. Clements Jr. High, and graduated from Prince George High School in 2007. When I graduated from James Madison University in 2011 I was a substitute at multiple elementary schools across the district but spent a lot of time at Harrison Elementary. After starting my teaching career in Florida, I returned to the district as an educator at North Elementary School in 2019 in First Grade. I am currently teaching Kindergarten in my 6th year in Prince George County.
Please Share Your Thoughts on Being Named Teacher of the Year & What This Recognition Means to You.
I am incredibly humbled by this recognition, knowing that being a teacher in today’s world of education is a collaborative effort. There is not part of my day that doesn’t go by without the guidance and support of the teachers and staff around me. I am thankful for my family, friends, mentors, and students who continue to teach me ways to be an educator who makes a difference.
I am incredibly humbled by this recognition, knowing that being a teacher in today’s world of education is a collaborative effort. There is not part of my day that doesn’t go by without the guidance and support of the teachers and staff around me. I am thankful for my family, friends, mentors, and students who continue to teach me ways to be an educator who makes a difference.
What Inspired You to Enter the World of Teaching and Education?
What made me want to become a teacher is deeply rooted in my own experiences as a student. Growing up as a military child, I had the unique opportunity to experience education across the globe. But it was in Prince George where I truly found inspiration. The amazing teachers I had throughout my education, especially in Theater, Band, and French, left a lasting impression on me. These educators didn’t just teach, they guided me through life lessons, believing in me when I wasn’t sure of myself.
What made me want to become a teacher is deeply rooted in my own experiences as a student. Growing up as a military child, I had the unique opportunity to experience education across the globe. But it was in Prince George where I truly found inspiration. The amazing teachers I had throughout my education, especially in Theater, Band, and French, left a lasting impression on me. These educators didn’t just teach, they guided me through life lessons, believing in me when I wasn’t sure of myself.
I was fortunate to have mentors who supported me, shaping who I am today. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and helped me realize the impact a teacher can have. Their influence made me want to follow in their footsteps and offer that same kind of support and guidance to the next generation.
When it came time to settle down and raise my own family, we chose to return to Prince George, based on the opportunity to work with the educators who previously taught me. I want to inspire students the same way I was inspired. One day, I hope to motivate a student who goes on to become the next Teacher of the Year, just as my own educators did for me.
Do You Have A Special Memory or Moment from This School Year You Would Like to Share?
One of the most exciting parts about coming back to teach in my hometown is looking at my roster at the beginning of the school year and seeing if I recognize any names. While this moment isn’t unique to this year, it happens every year, and it’s always special. My first year as a Kindergarten teacher, I had the pleasure of teaching the granddaughter of one of my high school teachers. At back-to-school night, I was met with hugs and smiles from my former teacher, whom I hadn’t seen in quite some time. We got to reconnect and share our experiences as educators.
One of the most exciting parts about coming back to teach in my hometown is looking at my roster at the beginning of the school year and seeing if I recognize any names. While this moment isn’t unique to this year, it happens every year, and it’s always special. My first year as a Kindergarten teacher, I had the pleasure of teaching the granddaughter of one of my high school teachers. At back-to-school night, I was met with hugs and smiles from my former teacher, whom I hadn’t seen in quite some time. We got to reconnect and share our experiences as educators.
Over the past six years, I’ve had many of these heartwarming moments, and they never fail to remind me how full circle our lives truly become. It’s one of my favorite moments each year—one that connects me to my past and reminds me of the lasting impact of education.
Finally, What Do You Consider the Most Important Lesson You Help Students Learn?
In the early childhood world, students are learning not just academics but skills that will serve them throughout their lives. They are learning how to work together with those around them, how to problem solve, how to ask meaningful questions, but most importantly how to be independent. Working independently is a life skill that will help shape their academic achievement, social development, and personal growth that goes beyond any curriculum. I think the most important lesson I help my students learn is to try, to make an attempt or effort to do something even when it seems hard. Many times, students get bogged down in the idea that they can’t do something because they never have – so they simply don’t try. Throughout every school year, I encourage my students to try things on their own, whether that’s zipping up jackets or writing their first sentence. I emphasize that they don’t have to get it right the first time but rather try and learn from mistakes. And eventually, students can see their own progress and develop a sense of pride in their efforts.