By Paige Ordway -- Eagle Staff Writer
Whether you’re a student walking the halls or a faculty member, you likely recognize the bright personality and big smiles of Madison Peregoy. Peregoy, a 10th and 11th-grade math teacher, has made a name for herself far beyond Ramsey Hall, being named Franklin County's Teacher of the Year.
Peregoy’s beginning in education is a story much like others, with dreams of having a classroom of her own as a young child. “I have always wanted to be a teacher. I actually used to make my brother 'play school' with me when we were kids. I just love learning and watching other people learn.”
After dreaming of teaching the next generation of students, Peregoy attended Emory & Henry College and later got her Master’s degree at Radford University, en route to becoming a teacher at Franklin County High School.
Peregoy said that one person has stood out to her all this time as a true role model for her future in teaching: her 3rd-grade teacher, Ms. Williams.
“There are a lot of people who inspired me to be a teacher. My third grade teacher Ms. Williams has always been my favorite teacher. We still write letters to each other once or twice a year. I actually wrote her a letter as soon as I got this award to thank her for inspiring me to be the best teacher I can be.
In this journey, Peregoy was able to achieve a feat that very few teachers have been able to earn. Peregoy was first named one of three Teachers of the Year for FCHS. This put her in the running for the county award, which chooses the best teacher from every school in the district.
Peregoy believes that her style of teaching gives her an upper hand with these types of awards. “I think being able to relate to your students is so important: building strong, trusting relationships, trying to apply my curriculum to real-world problems, making learning fun for them.”
A teaching philosophy is likely the most important foundation of any teaching career; without a proper way, teachers likely will struggle to make an impact. Peregoy stated that her philosophy is all about the student’s needs, in and out of the classroom. “My teaching philosophy is one where I am focused around my students’ learning needs and safety. I believe in making sure all my students will succeed and excel not only in their education but in their life. I want them to feel prepared for the future after high school and be able to remember the support system they have at one of the places they can call their second home.”
Of course, every great teacher will face a challenge at least once in their careers. Peregoy’s biggest challenge has actually been a mindset from students facing their learning: “Answering the question 'When will I ever use this after high school?' It isn’t necessarily about how or when you will use the exact information you learn in high school. It's about helping your brain grow and develop and become stronger. It helps students learn how to think differently, abstractly.”
Even after being nominated for the prestigious Teacher of the Year award, there is still a long road ahead for Peregoy to possibly come home with the regional and possibly even state award. “After I was announced Teacher of the Year, I had to complete a portfolio that laid out my educational history, philosophy, and asked about some of my favorite lessons that I have taught. That got submitted for the Region Teacher of the Year, so now we just wait until they announce.”
No matter what result is given for the Teacher of the Year award, Mrs. Peregoy has brightened the lives of countless students and made a difficult subject for some, their favorite.
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