Elizabeth Slusher has always loved learning and she channeled that into a passion for teaching.
That passion was recognized Friday when she was selected as Pierce County’s teacher of the year.
The teachers of the year for each school in Pierce County were recognized at the countywide staff meeting Friday, August 2. Slusher was recognized as the system’s top teacher at the meeting.
“Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always loved to learn,” Slusher says.
She relates that in college she briefly considered the idea of being an architect or an engineer, but soon dismissed those options.
“I couldn’t see myself in an office drawing building plans,” she said. “I knew being a teacher is what I was called to be.”
Slusher earned her bachelor’s degree at Valdosta State University and her master’s from Piedmont College. She received her specialist degree at Valdosta State.
Slusher has taught algebra at Pierce County High School for the past eight years and has been in education for 18 years. Prior to coming to Pierce County, Slusher taught in Madison County for seven years and also had stints in Appling and Brantley Counties.
This year, she will take on the new challenge of teaching geometry.
“It will be new to me, but it will be part of my passion for learning, too,” she said.
Slusher says she was inspired by many great educators during her formative years, but she says one in particular shaped her teaching style.
“Peggy Stawick of Crisp County taught me in the third grade. She made learning so much fun. I and my classmates couldn’t wait to go see her everyday. If she ever had a bad day, we never knew about it.”
Those lessons stuck with her.
PCHS principal Kelly Murray describes Slusher as always having a smile and notes her students look forward to seeing her each day.
“We are so blessed to have Mrs. Slusher on staff here at PCHS. She makes everyone she comes into contact with feel important and she always has a smile on her face. Her students look forward to seeing her each day and are willing to work hard to meet her expectations. She is a great representative for our school and district,” he said.
Slusher says she is thankful for the honor of being teacher of the year and was overwhelmed by the award.
“I am thankful for the many kind, sweet and supportive comments I have received,” she said. “Just knowing I’ve had an impact and I’ve made a difference is worth it all.”
Slusher says watching her students succeed in her class and by eventually walking across the stage at graduation is a great experience and a great feeling.
“What is more rewarding and satisfying is seeing them reach adulthood and raise families and be successful in their careers,” she said. “And when they come back and I see them in town and they said they remember me or I helped them, that just makes my day.”
Slusher and her husband, Joe, have two daughters, Haley and Ava. She is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
