As a Peabody Elementary parent since 2015, I’m excited to introduce a new Lamplighter feature: Peabody’s Teachers of the Month. In every issue, we’ll be highlighting two educators that make our neighborhood school one of the best in the city.
If you’d like to support Peabody’s faculty, one way is by donating Box Tops; every Box Top equals cash that goes directly to teachers. The Cooper-Young Community Assocaition office at 2298 Young is a great place to donate Box Tops for Peabody. Bring them by during normal business hours or leave them in the mailbox if no one’s in. We thank you in advance for your support of our terrific neighborhood school! — Amanda Yarbro-Dill
Gina Guthrie
5th grade reading/ELA
Who (or what) inspired you to teach? Where did you attend college?
My mother was a teacher, and I spent a lot of time in her classroom and with her students over the years. I always enjoyed school and learning. So, as I began to choose a career, I found that I was very comfortable in a school setting, and I enjoyed the energy of working with young people. I attended the University of Memphis.
How long have you been at Peabody Elementary? Can you tell us what schools you worked at before Peabody?
This will be my 10th year at Peabody. Before I taught 5th grade, I was a 6th grade English teacher at Ridgeway Middle School.
How long have you lived in Memphis, and where did you live before moving here? What are some things that you like about living here?
I’ve lived in Memphis all of my life. I love Memphis. It has always felt unique amongst its surroundings, and other big cities within our region. I have always lived in the Midtown or downtown area, and I love so much what these parts of our city have to offer. I am excited about what our city represents and its future.
What’s the number one thing you like about teaching at Peabody?
I always wanted to teach in the Midtown or downtown area since it is also where I’ve always lived. I know the neighborhoods well, and I enjoy the diversity. Peabody has always been a place that reflects its community. I like that it is a smaller setting, and it allows us to operate as a family.
What’s one of your favorite lessons to teach? Best experiences during your time here?
I enjoy any lesson or experience that allows me to travel with my students. Getting out together creates an experience that is lasting, and we have an opportunity to teach our kids so much during these times.
How do you relax outside the classroom? Do you have any favorite spots in Cooper-Young?
In my life now, I enjoy spending time with my children (Rosemary, 7, and John, 2). We spend as much time outdoors as possible. In Cooper-Young, we have found that we enjoy going to Burke’s, Railgarten, and most any of the restaurants as much as possible.
Breanna Shannon
1st Grade
Hi! My name is Ms. Breanna Shannon. I am a first-grade teacher at Peabody Elementary. I attended college at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where I spent most of my time volunteering in a PAWS program centered around helping inner city children with their homework. Being around children who were missing elements in their life such as love, structure, and guidance led me to want to become a teacher. I aspired to be the difference in a child’s life to help them succeed and become model citizens.
This is my second year at Peabody Elementary. Prior to I was a teacher assistant at Shelby Oaks Elementary, and before then I was a teacher assistant in the education department at Youth Villages.
I was born and raised in Memphis. I moved to Chattanooga for five years. I have been back in Memphis for two years now. The best part of Memphis is that my family and closest friends reside here.
The number one thing that I love about Peabody is the culture. Every staff member cares deeply for the students that we serve. The amount of collaboration and team work is amazing! The support from the parents is just as helpful as the administration and staff members. The teamwork at Peabody is what pushes me to work harder every day! I love teaching math with my 1st graders because I love watching their light bulbs go off as they are breaking down word problems and composing and decomposing numbers.
My best experience has to be the Career on Wheels event that was recently held at our school. The children loved every occupation that visited us and enjoyed the souvenirs just as much!
Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family. I love doing outdoor activities and learning about dinosaurs with my 3-year-old son. Also, I spend a lot of time supporting my fiancé, who Is a middle school football/basketball coach. My favorite place to visit in Copper-Young is the Young Avenue Deli.
