Top Teacher, RaShaun Tanner Inspires GED Students at OFTC
Sandersville, Ga., (OFTC) --Most teachers specialize in a certain subject, teaching one grade or course at a time. But not in adult education. Adult education instructors teach Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies to a host of students ranging in ages and literacy.
RaShaun Tanner has taught Adult Education courses at Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) in Sandersville since 2015, and his passion for his students and his desire to help them achieve their goals inspired one of those students to nominate him for channel 13 WMAZ’s ‘My Teacher is Tops’ feature.
Tanner was featured on channel 13 WMAZ for National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 7.
“I felt honored that I was even considered for this recognition,” Tanner shared. “To begin with, I was unaware that that I was being nominated for ‘My Teacher is Tops.’ I had a student, India Warthen, mention to me that she wrote 13 WMAZ because she thought I deserved an award for my instructing. But I thought, ‘what are the odds that I would be chosen?’” he said.
“My student went on to tell me that she wrote about how much of an impact I had on her life. I was honored that she felt such a way about me. With me just doing my job and the help of Ms. India’s letter, to my surprise, I was contacted and informed that I was selected.”
Adult Education
Tanner teaches Adult Education classes at OFTC Monday through Thursday in Sandersville, and in Sparta on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.
While working with a host of different students with varying abilities, Tanner views his mission as one of service and encouragement. “Every day I am able to build relationships with my students and be a service to them by helping them achieve their academic goal of completing their GED,” he said. “I view it as an opportunity. I am with these individuals 3-4 hours daily, so throughout our time together I find time to break from the work and just impart wisdom and encouragement to all of my students.”
“I hope I am able to make them realize their full capability, and let them know that patience is a virtue,” he continued. “It may take you longer than most, but the final result will be worth it if you stay focused on your goal.”
OFTC’s Adult Education classes are free and available to anyone ages 16 and up, Tanner shared. “I don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed or discouraged at all if they find themselves in need of their GED. We are here to help individuals achieve academic success.”
And while Tanner recognizes that some students may lack motivation or will power, he’s confident that OFTC can help. “We can assist you with that and help you with your education.”
For more info about OFTC’s Adult Education classes or locations and times, visit the Adult Education page on the College’s website, OFTC.edu.
