IT’S BECOME a Bedford County tradition — graduating seniors returning to their elementary schools to walk the halls of their childhood memories. When the last days of high school are marked off the calendar and seniors return to East Side Elementary School this spring, it will be a big day for them and an emotional day for teachers, especially BreAnne Pilkington. The students she taught her first year are among this year’s graduating classes.
Pilkington is fulfilling her childhood dream. It’s not uncommon to hear teachers recalling playing school and never doubting what they’d be when they grew up. Although she briefly considered pursuing forensics, she followed her childhood passion. She was happy to teach her dolls, stuffed animals, and friends, but today she oversees a more lively group of students in her first grade East Side classroom. She sees firsthand how their enthusiasm grows as her students build upon the things they learned in kindergarten.
Gone are the days when first grade students were just starting to learn, picking up basic math skills, and looking forward to storytime and recess. The pace is much faster now, and Pilkington knows to keep up with her first grade students, she must continuously stay ahead of them. Her strategy for staying on her toes begins before most of us hit the snooze button for the first time each morning. She heads to the gym four days a week, finishing her workout long before the first bell rings.
She said, “I feel like it helps me get through the day and helps me be more focused in the mornings. I’m already up and going, and my body’s in gear, so I definitely think it helps get me through the day.”
Her classroom days start at 7:30 a.m. with math, followed by a time when some students go to classes focused on their needs while others remain with her in the classroom. Then comes lunch and art classes before recess makes an all-too-short appearance — perfect timing, too, because it’s knowledge, science, or social studies time next. They’re certainly being taught an incredible amount at an ever-increasing pace. For Pilkington and grownups who recall the school days of their childhood, this is not the routine they remember.
“I started at Southside Elementary and was there for two years, then went to Liberty through eighth grade and graduated from Shelbyville Central High School,” she said.
After graduating high school, Pilkington obtained her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and her master’s degree from Cumberland University.
Pilkington is determined to give her students the best possible foundation from day one. After being a kindergarten teacher at East Side for eight years, she left teaching but realized after only eight months that she needed to be back in the classroom and returned to East Side as a first grade teacher. Pilkington uses data available on each student’s level of learning to tailor their curriculums accordingly — sometimes going back to the basics they learned in kindergarten.
Pilkington said, “Making sure every student reaches their greatest potential is a challenge I’m presented with at the beginning of the year and aim to accomplish each year. I love seeing my students learn and grow. When they have those ‘aha moments’ or accomplish a goal they’ve been working really hard towards, those are the best! I also truly love the relationships I get to form with each and every student.”
Family is at the heart of Pilkington’s life, whether at or away from school. The East Side family is one of her favorite things about her work.
She said, “It’s just like a big family. You can feel the care; you can see the care. We’re just all here for each other.”
For Pilkington, family is a source of strength and her number one priority. From special occasions spent with her parents, brother, and extended family to life’s little and big moments shared with her husband, Jason, and their foster son — it’s all part of what makes home such an important place in her heart.
Pilkington said, “The people who work at East Side and the students are my favorite thing about my school. We have the best administration, teachers, assistants, and students, hands down. I love East Side and am so glad to call it home!” GN
