Crystal Thornton may be relatively new to the classroom, but the Teacher of the Year for Bramlett Elementary started the job with unique experiences under her belt and plans to keep adding to them.

From an early age, Thornton decided that teaching was in her future.

"I am the daughter of an educator and I grew up with the importance of education instilled in me," Thornton said. "[My mom] truly had a passion for students and her desire was to not only teach them, but to provide them with love and support and influence them in a way that would allow them to do their best and believe in themselves. I observed this passion as a child while I witnessed her willing desire to open up her home to have students over. I witnessed many past students coming back to give her hugs in the grocery store or at Wal-Mart expressing their thanks for her influence.

"As a child, these observances meant a lot to me, and little did I know my mom’s passion would influence my decision to become a teacher," said Thornton.

At the University of Georgia, Thornton studied Early Childhood Education, and was able to complete her 10-week student teaching in Christchurch, New Zealand. This was made possible by her acceptance into the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching program. She graduated Cum Laude in 2005 and has been teaching at Bramlett ever since.

A Winder native, who has lived in Barrow County "since the day I was born" and graduated from Winder-Barrow High School, also had the opportunity to coach girls’ cross country and track at her alma mater.

Thornton said her greatest pride comes from her second-grade classroom.

"One of the most amazing accomplishments comes when I observe the growth of my students from the first day that they walk into my classroom to the last day that they leave," she said. "Over those 180 days, I have had the privilege to impact others and influence their lives. It is a great feeling to see success in the lives that you teach every day."

Thornton sets high goals for herself and her classroom, and tries to fight what she calls "education apathy" in society.

She encourages partnerships and cooperation between schools, parents and the community, and tries to cultivate a passion for learning in her students.

"I hope to instill pride, dedication and a desire to learn," she said. "Like Paul Bryant, the [College Hall of Fame] football coach, said, ‘If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.’ I hope I create an environment where my students will find this to be true. I want them to know and understand that I have high, but realistic goals and expectations for them all."

Thornton has already been recognized for her work, serving as grade level representative and Georgia Performance Standards Social Studies representative for kindergarten through fifth grade. Her supervisors have also noted her dedication.

"When I visit Mrs. Thornton’s classroom, I can’t help but think of how fortunate her students are to be in a positive environment where practice is not punitive and learning from mistakes is permitted," said Bramlett Principal Cindy Propst. "The classroom feels warm and motivating which enhances chances for success...

"When hiring Mrs. Thornton, I knew she would be a good teacher, but I have been continuously amazed at the competency and dedication that has marked her young professional life," said Propst. "Mrs. Thornton exhibits wisdom that is rarely seen in someone with only four years of teaching experience."