Darleen Sutton and her husband Jimmy teach 1-year-olds in Sunday school at Pickens First Baptist Church, and she teaches first-graders at Pickens Elementary. She is passionate about teaching, and it is more than just a job for her.
In May, Sutton was named South Carolina Teacher of the Year, recognized by Gov. Nikki Haley at the State House, and awarded a $25,000 cash gift and the use of a BMW X3 for one year. She will spend the 2013-14 school year as a statewide ambassador for teaching.
Pickens County superintendent Kelly Pew said, “You can see in her face that teaching is a calling for her.” Sutton is described by others as humble, sweet and dedicated to the teaching profession.
Her success is grounded in her Christian faith. “I believe anything I am able to do to help [my students] is because of the grace of God,” she said. “It is not something I’ve done myself. It is him enabling me.”
She also views her calling as an opportunity to give back to those educators who invested in her. Her motivation comes from a special person in her life, her late grandfather, who was unable to read. Sutton wants to promote early literacy. “Students’ future success in school and whatever they choose to do is going to be based on their ability to read and comprehend,” she said.
Her grandfather left a lasting impression on Sutton. “My Papa was a dedicated Christian and the kindest man I’ve ever known. He did not have a formal education, but learned the Bible through my Memaw reading it aloud to him. He memorized Scripture and was a praying man. I knew that when I asked, he would pray diligently for me. I learned from Papa that people read your attitude and actions as a living Bible when they may not read the written word.”
How does she live out her faith as a teacher in a public school? “I treat each student as a special treasure with unique qualities and characteristics. By accepting and loving each child as an individual, they feel safe, capable and willing to take risks in learning new skills.”
What advice would she give to other Christians teaching in public schools? “Accept each child as they are. Love them and encourage them. Be positive. Your actions often speak louder than your words. Live out your faith through your interactions with the children, your colleagues and the parents of your students.”
“I think teaching is one of the most honorable professions,” she added. “It allows me to work each day with the most creative, humorous, energetic and honest people around: my first-grade students.”
Behind Sutton’s success is a calling she chose to follow … and a grandfather who chose to show her the value of following Christ.