Throughout the month of November, we will be introducing you to the 2022-2023 Glynn County Teachers of the Year.
Aleisha Rice was named the Glynn Learning Resources System Teacher of the Year. She spent 12 years of her education career in the elementary- and middle-school settings in Las Vegas, NV as a 5th grade teacher, 7th grade teacher and speech language pathologist. She has taught the Bridge Special Education Program since it began at Risley Middle in 2015. Here are some awesome things you should know.
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Family: I'm married to Nicholas Rice. I have 3 beautiful daughters. Zuri (19 yrs.old), Jada (17yrs. old) and Alexandria (5 yrs.old). My parents were Al Joe Hogan Jr. (passed away in 2019) and Bernice Hogan (passed away in 2009). I have a younger sister and brother in law Amber Calhoun and Keith Calhoun who both reside in Las Vegas with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and nephews. My mother in law, sister in law, niece and nephew live in California.
Who is your role model? My mother and father were and always will be my role models. Why? My parents had me at the young age of 20 and 21 years of age. We grew up together. I had the pleasure of watching my parents become self-made entrepreneurs. My mother owned a travel agency and my father was the first Black contractor for urban development in our Las Vegas community. They loved to travel and expose me to the "real classroom," other cities, states and countries outside of Las Vegas. They taught me that with hard work, a good education, a strong moral character and a relationship with God I could be anything I aspired to become in this world. Whatever I choose to do, should always be done in the spirit of excellence. Last of all, be kind to others. Everyone is going through something and it doesn't cost anything to give someone a smile.
What book has most influenced you? Hands down, my No. 1 book is the Holy Bible. It's my blueprint to living a life filled with hope, peace and love. The other two books are a "Purpose Driven Life" and "The Breadwinner".
What is your greatest teaching memory? All of my greatest teaching memories are watching the growth in my students. The way their faces radiate with pride when they finally realize how amazing they truly are in their own unique way. Whether it be when they can finally solve that difficult math problem, can read a book that they thought they would never be able to read independently or relate to a character or situation in something they've read. Those memories will forever be in my heart.
What is your favorite quote or personal motto? My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, forget what you did but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel. My favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
What is a fact about you that most people don't know? I played the flute for 11 years and earned a music scholarship to college. It took me 10 years to finish college because I changed my major 5 times before realizing I was meant to work with children.
Any hidden talents or hobbies? I play the flute and I love to roller skate to disco music!