Rose Hill art teacher marks 52nd year in education
Rose Hill art teacher marks 52nd year in education
JACKSON, Tenn. – When Patricia Ayers was in the fourth grade, her teacher let her instruct her classmates on how to draw. It was a moment in time that inspired Ayers into a lifetime of service to her own students. She is completing her 52nd year as an educator and retirement isn’t on her radar. “I plan to keep teaching until the Lord gives me a sign,” she said.
Having spent 21 years in the Jackson-Madison County School System, Ayers is currently the art teacher at Rose Hill School. She previously taught at Jackson Middle School. A call from a friend asking if she was interested in an interim position in Jackson, brought Ayers to the Hub City from her hometown of Bolivar. In her 31 years in the Hardeman County School System, she served as librarian and taught everything from P.E. to home economics to biology. “I love children and I love to see them learn,” said Ayers. “Seeing them light up because of something I taught them is a great feeling.”
“Ms. Ayers is a teacher that everyone wants on their team,” said Pam Betler, Rose Hill principal.
“She always has a little pep in her step, is creative, funny, compassionate and never says no to anyone who needs her help.”
From testing to student behavior to parental involvement, Ayers says she’s seen “way too many changes to list” in her more than five decades in the classroom. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the many roles she plays for her students in a day. “I’m their mother away from home, their grandmother, nurse, referee, babysitter, entertainer, Hobby Lobby, bank and more,” she reflected. She says playing all those “other” roles is difficult but worth it. “The best things about my job are the hugs, smiles and notes from my children,” she recalled.
“Mrs. Ayers is one of the most dedicated educators I have ever met,” said Dr. Nancy Hutchison, Rose Hill Assistant Principal. “She always comes to work ready to meet the students, ready to teach them the love of art, and ready to help everyone have a brighter day.”
Even in the summer, Ayers spends her break teaching swimming lessons and holding art camps. “Art is a great way for students to succeed,” said Ayers. “They get to be creative and not worry about trying to find an exact answer.”
Ayers holds her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Memphis. The wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother says if she wasn’t a teacher she’d want to be a full-time artist. As for how she hopes her students remember her – “I hope my students remember that I showed them that I cared about them every day and I always greeted them with a smile.”
