SOMEWHERE OVER the rainbow in the southwestern part of Lincoln County is a place teacher Briana Mann describes as “a world of unicorns and rainbows,” at least compared to many other places that make the evening news.
This place is Blanche, Tennessee, a tiny unincorporated town of 310 — the place where she was born and raised.
“Blanche is amazing,” she said, “It’s like a little Hallmark movie town to me. It’s the place where I go to church, the place where I am comfortable, the place where I know the people around me.”
According to Mann, the churches, businesses, and individuals in Blanche are very giving of their resources and work together for the good of the community. What the town lacks in numbers, it makes up for in love, learning, and loyalty.
“I — and I think I can speak for all of my co-workers — am very grateful for all of their generosity and support.”
The people of Blanche are grateful for Mann as well. Unlike some young people who grow up and move away from their small towns, Mann chose to stay.
After completing kindergarten through eighth grade at Blanche School and graduating from Lincoln County High School in 2010, she received her associate’s degree from Motlow. She then completed the 2+2 program in K-6 education at Tennessee Technological University, with an additional endorsement in grades 4-8. She received her master’s degree in administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently working on her Plus 30 from the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Mann first taught at Unity School and then Ralph Askins School before being hired at Blanche, where she has taught for four years. She currently teaches first grade.
“God gave me those first school placements as stepping stones to be where I am today,” she said. “I was able to student-teach at Unity under Deborah Zawistowski. She taught me more in those few months than I learned in my four years of college and beyond.”
“I have learned important lessons and teaching strategies from each teacher I worked with at both Unity and Ralph Askins.”
Reluctant to boast about her own accomplishments, Mann never hesitates to praise her coworkers and administrators. She credits Principal Garth Garris and Vice Principal Dawn Parton for making Blanche such a special place to work.
“They have set high expectations for the staff, but they also trust us to get it done. There is no micromanaging. The trust they have in us to do our jobs speaks volumes,” she said. “We are always thanked, and I feel truly appreciated.”
According to Mann, the school is exceptional because the staff and administration at Blanche put the students first. They stress simplicity over showy programs.
“We are here to love and to educate our students — simple as that,” she said. “I appreciate that both as a teacher who values her instructional time and as a parent who wants her children to be simply loved and educated at school.”
Speaking of children, Mann and her husband, Travis, who were high school sweethearts, are parents to three rambunctious children: Lucas, 9; Lawson, 6; and Lila, 2. Family time is a priority, and they enjoy watching their boys play recreational baseball and Jr. Pro basketball.
“Lila just comes along for the ride and the snacks,” Mann said, “perks that come along with being the little sis of two older brothers.”
The family also enjoys attending New Grove Baptist Church in Blanche.
Mann is not too proud to admit she doesn’t always have all the answers when it comes to teaching. In fact, she has learned a lot about teaching from her students. As a young teacher, she read books and watched videos to learn how to be a better instructor. Still, the classrooms depicted were usually very different from the classrooms she experienced in real life.
“First, we teachers must remember [that] students are just humans. I feel we expect them to be like robots at school, but they have feelings and emotions just as adults do,” she said. “They may be cranky on some days. It’s important to give these kids grace without lessening the rigor of the day’s lessons.”
Her students also taught her the importance of building relationships — the key to fostering their learning and curiosity.
“Teachers want their students to respect them as the authoritative figure in the room, but they also want students to feel comfortable enough to ask questions, to ask for help, and to have conversations,” Mann said. “Having fun in the classroom and simply talking to the students about their lives are good ways to establish trust that will help them succeed.”
Mann is one of those teachers who strives to do her best every day, even when the day brings more challenges than victories.
“One downfall of teaching is that you often feel you are never doing enough. The feeling never goes away,” she said. “That’s why this job isn’t a job. It’s kid work. It’s more than a job.
“The year a teacher spends with the students is a stepping stone in their education and social, emotional, and physical development. It’s a big task to take on. You always pray and hope your time together will have been worth it, and you will have made a positive impact.”
Though teaching can be humbling at times, Briana Mann said she meets each challenge with love and determination. She added that Blanche School is where she’s meant to be — it’s home. GN
