Lamar County Primary School is saying goodbye to one of its most dedicated teachers. Let us take a moment to celebrate the remarkable career of Mrs. Linda Wilson. With 33 years of classroom experience, Mrs. Wilson has made a great impact on countless children, laying the foundation for their future learning and growth.
Mrs. Wilson was drawn to a career in education out of a deep passion for supporting early childhood development. “Helping young children grow and learn has been a joy for me,” she shared. “Seeing their faces light up when they grasp a new concept or master a skill is incredibly rewarding. I wanted to be a part of that journey and make a difference in their lives from the very beginning.”
Mrs. Wilson’s career began with teaching reading support. She then moved on to teaching first grade, where she enjoyed watching students develop their reading and math skills. For the past 25 years, she has been a beloved kindergarten teacher. “Kindergarten is a crucial year for laying the foundation for future learning. Knowing that I am helping lay a strong foundation for their future is very rewarding,” she noted. Throughout her career, the growth and development of her students have been her greatest motivation.
Reflecting on her time at Lamar County Primary School, Mrs. Wilson highlighted some of her most memorable moments. She noted that being selected as Lamar County’s 2024 STAR Teacher by LCHS senior, Jesse Juarez was a significant honor. Other highlights in her career include the several instances when students came back to visit her. Mrs. Wilson is happy to discover her former students’ achievements. “It’s heartwarming to know that I played a part in their journey,” she said.
Mrs. Wilson also acknowledged the important role of paraprofessionals she has worked with over the years. “I had Gwen Hightower and Yvonne Fallings for several years. Yolanda Swatts was with me for 16 years. My para for the past five years has been Tangela Underwood. Without these special ladies, I would not have survived.”
Mrs. Wilson’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel safe and excited to learn. She hopes her students leave her classroom with a strong foundation of basic skills and a love for learning. When asked about advice for new teachers, Mrs. Wilson responded, “Always meet your students where they are and focus on building a strong foundation. Be patient, kind, and remember that you are making a difference in their lives.”
As Mrs. Wilson looks forward to retirement, she plans to stay connected with education through involvement with her grandchildren and substitute teaching. “Retirement will give me the flexibility to enjoy more time with family while still staying active in the community,” she said. She also expressed interest in volunteering at the school in various capacities.
In a few days, Linda Wilson will exit the classroom as a teacher for the last time, but her former students will undoubtedly remember the sweet times they shared together.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
