2026 GIFT Recipient Makaleigh Stephens
Congratulations Makaleigh!!!

In her own words:

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1. Why do you want to be a teacher?
    I want to be a teacher because I want to make a change in the future of America

    through the youth.
2. Who are your role models? Explain what you have learned from them.
    My role model is my sister. I have learned persistence from her, she always keeps

    going when things get tough.
3. Tell us about an experience you had as a student that helped convince you to

     consider teaching as a career.
    My fourth grade teacher was the best at gentle teaching. When I would get upset or

    overstimulated she knew exactly how to calm my nerves. She also did not teach us

    in a rush which made learning a whole lot easier. I want to be the teacher she was

    for me to someone else.
4. If you had a teacher(s) to emulate who would she/he/they be and why?
     I would say my 7th grade history teacher. We effectively learned, we listened, and

     sometimes we learned things that were not even in the standard. I want to emulate

     her because she holds and still holds a strong sense of structure and respect in her

     classroom.
5. What grade level would you like to teach and why?
     I would like to teach at the middle school level because these kids are in a point of

     transition. These kids need more than just a regular teacher. They need an

     educator that is patient and supportive as well. I feel like I can offer the extra things

     needed for the kids success.
6. What is your favorite subject, and why?
     My favorite subject is math because it comes easily to me.
7. Have you taken any education courses in high school?
     I have taken one education major course with the high school, through dual

     enrollment at UNG. I also took the Early Childhood Education high school course

     up to its last class.
8. Name two locations in the state you'd most like to teach and why?
     I would teach back in Gainesville, GA or Valdosta, GA. Gainesville is my hometown

     and Valdosta is where I am attending school. I would rather teach in familiar areas.
9. Explain the steps that you would take to motivate students to learn.
     I like to tell students to take a deep breath, offer a treat for effort, and further

     explain to help them get a start to what they are doing.
10. As a teacher-in-training, you might hear the following advice, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Do you think this is accurate advice? Give an example.
     Yes, I have the belief that if a teacher does not present themselves as

     approachable or helpful that I will never ask for help after the first time. This is

     because the caring teachers are the ones willing to share what they know in a

     healthy way. As a kid this is very noticeable. Especially for younger kids.
11. Where do you see yourself in your teaching career in ten years?

      I see myself well established and obtaining my doctorate degree.