LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Teressa Ford

Position: Fifth Grade Math / Science / Health Teacher
School: Edisto Elementary School
School District: Orangeburg County School District
City, State: Orangeburg, SC

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Music that Describes Teressa

Teressa Ford was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Ms. Ford has dedicated 30 years to the field of education, simply because teaching is her calling and passion. For Ms. Ford, teaching was not, and never will be, just a job! She goes above and beyond to ensure each child is afforded a great educational experience. Not only does she care about the educational well-being of her students, but her concern extends far beyond. Educating the students of South Carolina for three decades is no small feat! She has deservingly gained the respect and admiration of her colleagues, parents, and students because of her exquisite character. Fair, dedicated, compassionate, firm, and thorough are just a few adjectives that can be used to describe this powerhouse of an educator.

On numerous occasions, Ms. Ford has gone into her own pockets to buy clothes, shoes, and supplies, or even to help supplement the fees for a field trip. These selfless acts often went "off the radar" because she didn't do them for recognition or accolades. She simply wanted to help eliminate "grown-up problems" from the minds of her students so that she could reach their minds to teach them and reach their hearts to connect with them. In the familiar words of John C. Maxwell, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Ms. Ford most certainly cares for her students. She treats them all as her very own!

In the words of Mahalia Jackson, "If I can help somebody as I travel along; If I can help somebody with a word or a song; If I can help somebody from doing wrong, no, my living shall not be in vain." From serving as team leader, gifted and talented instructor, and former Teacher of the Year, Ms. Ford's work truly speaks volumes.

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Comments (14)

Jessica C Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Ford is truly a life changer. She keeps it real and is very down to earth. She sees the best out of all situations. She loves to teach . You can tell that it’s her passion because she “teach with love”. Her students and colleagues love her and she loves them too. She treats everyone with respect and she is an all around awesome person. To know her is to love her . Mrs. Ford deserves all the flowers that she receives.

Harriett Young Posted over a year ago

Words can not express how truly proud I am for you. Your beautiful gestures of love speaks volumes. Congratulations on an accomplishment well deserved.

Marilyn Haynes Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Ford has always had children at heart it is a call. She loves them no matter what and she wouldn’t always deal with the easy kids but the challenging ones she would never give up. Her middle name is Lovell and she has a love that is unexplainable. She has reached many students . that came in tough but became attached to her. She is a person that puts in the exact mile and time to help the children reach their goal. Her goal is always to encourage and help the children reach the stars. They may come to her saying I can’t but she tells them the children you can.

Constance Posted over a year ago

Congratulations to my cousin Teresa ? a very loving caring Woman of God. So happy for her accomplishments and recognition. God bless you Teresa ??

Albertha Simpson Posted over a year ago

One of the most compassionate loving and dedicated strong woman I know not only because she’s my aunt but because she always having a confront and encoraging word for me whenever I’m going thru sometimes always reminding me to put God first in anything you want to achieve in life and he will see you thru it all that saying is true this is a most deserving nomination for Mrs Ford and wish her nothing but the best and glad that God chose her to be my aunt Congratulations

Viola graydon Posted over a year ago

To my cuz treat ford I want to say I see why your Nick name in the family treat ?? because your deticated to treating others as you would want to be treated that's real love ?? thanks! From your Lil first cuz vi & simpson family ?? always

Jack SIMPSON Posted over a year ago

My uncle, an educator, told me when he began teaching he thought the measure of a good teacher was how many students he failed but early in his teaching career he soon understood the measure of a good teacher was how many students he taught that were successful. Teressa must have discovered early in her teaching career a good teacher puts all her efforts in insuring her students did their best. Teressa was dedicated to making sure she did all she could help her students become successful and contributing citizens to their communities. She was sick for a month or more and she made sure the substitute for her classes received the goals and objectives required to meet their educational goals. During the time she was home bound she had acquired enough sick leave time to satisfy her leave of absent. This is a person I consider dedicated to educating her students. I am a proud Dad!

Caroline Robinson Posted over a year ago

So proud of this nomination. I have known her as a colleague and as a parent of a child she has taught. She truly is special and very deserving of this honor.

Debra Robinson Posted over a year ago

Ms.Ford is one of the most loving, compassionate, Caring person that I know, love and admire. This nomination comes as no surprise. She is not only a great teacher but a loyal friend.she’s a great role model and just a terrific all around person. She has blessed so many hearts and minds. There is nothing within her power that she won’t do for her students, family and friends. She has a heart of gold.

Laquan Simpson Posted over a year ago

One of my many role models that always keep a smile on her face even in the midst of don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t have someone talk to get through the rough times #LCOY

Merlene Wilson Posted over a year ago

Congratulations for this nomination. You have been a joy to work with as a coworker. I know that every child that attended your class will never forget you, as you built relationships with your students. Thank you for all of your support when I came to EES as an administrator. You are one of the special ones ... a phenomenal teacher, lady, coworker and friend. You have a lot more to give wherever your endeavors may take you. Ms. Simpson, I give my you blessings and love. Continue giving the world your beautiful smile. YOU are a winner!

Delores Washington Posted over a year ago

Ms. Ford changed my child's life as a fifth grader. He was struggling as a student but after transferring to her class he was a honor roll student. She always gave him tough love but he excelled. Ms. Ford thank you for the care and nurturing you showed my child.

Latia Simpson Posted over a year ago

Teacher beyond the classroom and very humble!!!!! God bless you in all your endeavors!!!! #LCOY

Kristina Thomas Posted over a year ago

The communities of both Allendale and Orangeburg counties were truly blessed to have this angel... 30 years of touching lives!