Asbury Educator of the Month: Sherry Botts
Sherry Botts has always had a heart for children in Title I schools. That feeling started when Botts was a child helping her aunt, Wilma Gooden, who taught in a Title I school back home in Glasgow, Ky.
So when Botts was assigned as a student teacher to Harrison Elementary School, she felt right at home.
And that’s where home has been for the past 13 years. The fifth-grade teacher is all about helping others.
“School was difficult for me, especially reading,” she said. “So I wanted to teach elementary school because I knew what it felt like to need extra help.”
Still, Botts leaned toward becoming a pharmacist until her chemistry teacher, Mrs. Richardson, showed her the impact an educator can have.
“She was willing to stay after school and come in early,” Botts said. “She was approachable and she made her classroom a safe place to learn and make mistakes.”
That’s the kind of teacher Botts has become.
“She is one of those teachers students always remember,” Principal Tammie Franks said. “Her students know she wants to hear how they are doing and she will encourage them for years after they have left her classroom. Her classroom is fun, but focused on learning.”
A former high school athlete, Botts proudly labels herself “country,” and her larger-than-life presence in the classroom makes it easy for children to relate.
“My kids say I am loud and I guess I am,” she said. “I have good rapport with my students. I am a steady, stabilizing, consistent influence in their lives.”
That’s crucial for Harrison students, all of whom are on free lunch. All come from under-privileged homes.
Among the issues some Harrison students face are homelessness, food insecurity, lack of clean clothes and frequent housing moves.
“At the end of the day, my students give gratitude, are very loving and they appreciate you,” Botts said.
Botts runs a tight ship, but everyone on board laughs a lot. She sets high expectations and uses humor and sarcasm to keep students engaged.
“They know that I care about them so I have their respect and their trust,” she said. “If you don’t have that, you’re done.”
NOMINATIONS: Asbury University’s School of Education, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for young adults and working professionals in Kentucky and around the world, is pleased to honor world-class educators throughout Kentucky. If you would like to nominate an educator, contact Asbury University’s School of Education at AUSOE@asbury.edu.