CHAPIN, S.C. — "I love them and I love what I do. I do," says Ms. Sarah Dukes, a 7th grade English teacher at Chapin Middle School.
For the last seven years, Ms. Dukes has been building a bond with her students inside and outside the classroom.
"I walked into her classroom in the morning, and it was so bright and cheery. She had posters everywhere encouraging us," says Olivia Lang, one of Ms. Dukes former students.
Now in 8th grade, Lang was so inspired by Ms. Dukes that she nominated her former teacher to be the News19 Teacher of the Week.
"I nominated her because she's just been a great resource. And she's always been supportive of me," says Lang. "We all enjoyed her class so much. And we really learned about how to be a better person. One of her big roles was that we have no put downs, and you can't insult anyone who's not there to defend themselves. And I think that changed a lot of students."
"We have funny rules in my room that certain words are not allowed. And they're not like bad words. 'Shut up' is a bad word for Ms. Dukes. So it's all about kindness and respectfulness," says Ms. Dukes.
Ms. Dukes taught one year in Greenville County, which is where she grew up. Then she moved to Chapin with her family. But teaching didn't always add up.
"I actually ended up working in finance and accounting, and bookkeeping. And then it was just the right moment, in the right time. I was working with some students through our church. And I really enjoy teaching and working with them. And I was like, you know what I'm going to try this," says Ms. Dukes.
Since moving to the Midlands, Ms. Dukes' family has been heavily involved at Chapin Christian Community Church. She also leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the middle school.
"Every Friday, we have over 100 kids that are showing up for FCA. We've had to run a multi-site kind of campus thing now because we don't all fit in the room. It's just been a great blessing. And just another way for me to make connections, and relationships, with kids that I love," says Ms. Dukes.
And students like Madeline and Marion love it.
"Even though she knows this person or not, she's always so happy and kind anybody. And she's just such a happy person. I love her," says student Marion Boozer.
"She always has a smile on her face. Even when it's like a sad time. She's always happy and upbeat," says student Madeline McGrady.
"Sometimes you get bogged down in a lot of things and you sometimes question your purpose. Because we all have those moments, right? Even as students, we have those moments. And to know, from the people that I'm actually trying to invest in, that I'm doing a good job or that they noticed the work and the effort and the love and the stuff that I'm trying to do. It means a whole lot to me," says Ms. Dukes.
If you know a teacher like Ms. Dukes who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom, you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.