Early start leads to lifelong passion

For the first time since the contest began, the First National Bank Teacher of the Week is coming from somewhere other than Hickory Creek Elementary.

Sussie Durham, a third-grade teacher at Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary, has been selected as the latest First National Bank Teacher of the Week by Main Street Journal readers.

Durham received 13 votes in this week’s poll, which drew 196 votes overall. Her victory breaks Hickory Creek’s two-week hold on the award after third-grade teacher Caroline Scott won the inaugural vote and second-grade teacher Rachel Grissom followed in Week 2.

For Durham, the path to the classroom began when she was still an elementary school student herself.

A Warren County native, Durham credits her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Cohen, with inspiring her to become an educator. Cohen would allow Durham to teach small groups of students in her classroom, giving her an early opportunity to experience teaching firsthand.

“She would let me teach a small group in her class and with her encouragement in this area, this led me to go on in the education field,” Durham said.

Durham attended MTSU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and has now spent 22 years teaching. She taught first grade for 17 1/2 years before moving to third grade, where she has spent the past 4 1/2 years.

After more than two decades in education, Durham said the most rewarding part of the job remains watching students accomplish what they set out to do.

“Reading is the fundamental part of education that guides all other areas of life,” Durham said. “I want to see students be successful and go on to do wonderful things with their lives that inspire others to do the same.”

Education also runs through Durham’s family. Her two sons and bonus daughter received their education in Warren County, and she now looks forward to seeing what lies ahead for her three grandsons as they continue that tradition.

“My faith, family and education are the most important parts of my life,” Durham said. “I feel honored to be chosen as Teacher of the Week among so many wonderful educators in Warren County.”

The First National Bank Teacher of the Week is selected each week through voting by MSJ readers. Voting opens each Tuesday at midnight and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, with readers allowed to vote once per hour using an email address. Weekly winners are removed from subsequent ballots and will be eligible for Teacher of the Year honors in the spring.

The Teacher of the Week program is presented by First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, with support from Smooth Rapids, Diamond Jewelry Company, Phillips Sales and Service and Graves Family Pharmacy.

Week 4 voting is now open at the link below.