Long days and early mornings paying off for a Columbus teacher

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A first year teacher at Columbus Middle School is making her mark on students, and although she’s fulfilling what she believes to be her purpose now, the journey to get to this point hasn’t been easy.

Seven years ago Stacee Bonner lost her job.

But that didn’t stop her.

She went back to college, earning a second and third degree.

She did this while working an eight hour custodial shift and taking care of her 12-year-old daughter at the same time.

“Going to school and having a child is difficult because of the, because of the work hours,” said Bonner. “And then the work hours as far as having to do school work and study and get papers done in a timely manner.”

It was long days and hard work, but in the back of her mind she saw a bigger picture.

Working at Mississippi State helped pay for her education, and seven years later she has just that. 

“I met a lot of people that encouraged me to keep working hard and not to give up” said Bonner. 

Bonner received her first teaching job at Columbus Middle School August 1, and says this job was all in God’s plan for her.

“I can say this, this was sent to me. I’m glad that I had patience to wait on my calling,” said Bonner. 

She says she loves the environment as well as the kids that this job brings into her life.

“My kids make it fun and exciting for me to come because every day is a new challenge because we all face different challenges in different ways,” said Bonner.

One student in particular, has reached new levels thanks to Stacee Bonner.

“Miss Bonner has taught me a whole bunch but she has taught me how to do division,” said El-Janecia Steels. “It’s my first time doing it because I didn’t know how to do it at first. Now I know how to do it.”

These new milestones for students are being unnoticed.

Veteran teacher and Principal, Billie Smith, says Bonner has had a strong impact her first year.

“I’ve only, I’ve come across a handful of teachers who have been this effective as a first-year teacher,” said Smith. “So I’m just excited to see what the future holds for her because each day, each week she’s improving and she’s dying to learn more.”

Part of Bonner’s inspiration to teach came from her mother who passed away a few weeks before seeing her accept her first job, but despite the loss, she says shes excited that she’s doing something that would make her parents proud.

Categories: Local News

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