WHEN JAY Simms moved to Yale University’s campus last summer, he took more than his hopes, dreams, and dorm furniture; he took the influence and inspiration of his former teachers and counselors. It’s not something Simms or Yale take for granted. Both celebrate the educators’ investments — the university through its annual Yale Educator Awards (YEA) and Simms through his nomination of Edie Martin and Lainie Harrison for the honor.
Amongst 385 outstanding educators from 43 states and 28 countries, 80 teachers and 32 counselors earned the distinguished YEA recognition. Remarkably, each honoree came from a different school, with only Martin and Harrison and another pair as exceptions.
Simms’ YEA nomination for Martin and Harrison wasn’t just a formality but a way of tracing the footprints they’d left on his educational path. Their influence clearly led him toward his goals.
“Mrs. Edie inspires me to be a better person and contribute to my community. She showed me that positivity can be found in any situation through compassion and acceptance. Each day, Mrs. Edie not only brought positivity into my life but into the lives of so many students at Lincoln County High School (LCHS). I felt [that] nominating Mrs. Edie was an obvious choice because of her caring attitude toward each LCHS student,” said Simms.
The honor surprised and amazed Martin, an English teacher, and Harrison, a guidance counselor.
Martin said, “I struggled with a combination of gratitude and disbelief, ultimately a feeling of unworthiness at being recognized. It’s Yale, and I’m Edie — we couldn’t be more polar opposites. What an honor to be chosen among so many brilliant educators! That he would take the time and trouble in the midst of a busy transition period to nominate us just filled my heart.”
“I don’t quite have my mind wrapped around the scope of the ‘nation-wideness’ of this award. [There were] external and internal smiles for days and days,” Harrison said.
Harrison’s dedication to the success of the students is evident.
“Mrs. Harrison was truly always there for me, and I cannot even begin to describe how dedicated she is to her job. Every classmate I spoke with about Mrs. Harrison agreed that she was always there to answer any question we had and guide us down our own roads of success,” said Simms. “Whether it be responding to an email at midnight, helping someone through a hard time, or just giving someone a hug, Mrs. Harrison is passionate about helping every individual student at LCHS.”
The award and Simms shine a light on the impact and influence of Lincoln County educators. Education becomes the conduit for building relationships that propel students’ success.
“Both Mrs. Edie and Mrs. Harrison are representatives of how amazing the Lincoln County School System has been to me and are just two of the countless teachers, administrators, and staff that inspired me and inspire students each day to achieve their goals,” Simms said. “There are so many people who have become not just high school advisors but true friends to me over the years, and I couldn’t have gotten that anywhere outside of Lincoln County, Tennessee.”
These lines in Brad Paisley’s song, “Letter to Me,” strike a chord with Martin: and you should really thank Ms. Brinkman/She spends so much extra time/ It’s like she sees a diamond underneath/ And she’s polishing you ’til you shine.
Martin said, “I want to always be Ms. Brinkman. I’m fiercely protective of my students, and sometimes, it feels as though classroom educators are battling alone. I don’t want to let them down. [I’m challenged] to find it in myself to do what’s best for my students in spite of the current climate surrounding public education.”
Harrison agrees. “From time to time, it feels like public education and higher education are being cast into a shadowy place. I feel Mrs. Martin and I are thankful to work at a high school in a community filled with positives, and the perception of education from here in the community is positive and supportive,” she said.
The award is a nod to all that is good in education in Lincoln County.
Amy Clemons, LCHS assistant principal, said, “We are fortunate in Lincoln County to have so many wonderful educators in our schools. Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Martin are two of those exceptional educators, and we are proud that Yale University recognized their commitment to making a difference in the lives of so many young people. Their work ethic and dedication to student success is unmatched.”
Their care for students and their futures drive Martin and Harrison.
Harrison said, “Inspiring and supporting students is achieved just by being kind and actually caring about your students. You accomplish this by having a big heart for the job. I love seeing all students have success — big or small. Fortunately, the career path I’ve taken has landed me in a position to be a helper to students and their families. The impact of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school employees is seen every year at graduation.”
Students empowered by their former educators fill Yale’s lecture halls and labs. Lincoln County has a seat at the table, and Martin and Harrison have the engraved desk sets and congratulatory letters to prove it. GN
