Teachers make an impact that often reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping their students through the lessons they teach, the relationships they build and the encouragement they offer along the way. In this award-winning series, The Manning Times celebrates the educators selected by their peers as Teachers of the Year at each Clarendon County School District school, giving readers a closer look at the teachers behind the recognition — their paths to education, approaches in the classroom and the experiences that continue to shape the work they do with Clarendon County students.
The series begins with Takelia Hammett, an interventionist and Teacher of the Year at Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary School.
Takelia Hammett did not always see herself becoming a teacher.
She knew she wanted to work in education, but the responsibility that came with standing at the front of a classroom initially gave her pause.
“Being a teacher is so weighty,” Hammett said. “It’s not a light task, and so the responsibility just felt intimidating.”
Instead, Hammett said she spent some time “running away from the calling” before eventually finding her place — first in the classroom and now as an interventionist at Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary School.
Today, she works with students from kindergarten through fifth grade, helping those who may not be performing at grade level strengthen the areas where they need additional help.
A Manning native, Hammett graduated from Manning High School in 2008 before earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Allen University and a master’s degree in English and creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University.
Her career in education began in 2016 as a long-term substitute at what was then St. Paul Elementary School, now Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary. She has spent her entire education career in Clarendon County.
Along the way, Hammett discovered she especially enjoyed working with students in smaller settings and helping them reach individual goals. As an interventionist, she also collaborates with classroom teachers, administrators and special education staff to determine how best to meet students’ needs.
Her own teachers helped shape the educator she became. Hammett remembers teachers including Jake Owens and her math teacher, Ms. Simon, as passionate and personable.
Owens, she said, brought his personality into the classroom, made students laugh and created engaging lessons.
That same energy can now be found in Hammett’s approach.
She describes herself as a hands-on teacher — one who walks around the room, gives high-fives, throws in jokes and finds ways to get students out of their seats. Activities such as Four Corners allow students to participate while also giving Hammett a quick way to determine who understands a lesson and who needs more help.
But relationships come first.
Hammett recalled teaching third grade — still her favorite grade level — and going around the classroom to tell each student individually that she believed in them.
“I felt like they need to know that I care about them, not just their academics, but I care about them as a person,” she said.
Some smiled. Others seemed unsure what their teacher was doing. But each looked back at her and acknowledged the message.
Hammett said she wants students to know she is their cheerleader.
That is particularly important in intervention, where students may already know they are struggling in a particular area. Her groups can range from one-on-one instruction to five or six students, giving children who may be reluctant to speak in a larger classroom an opportunity to find their voice.
Mistakes, she tells them, are part of learning.
“We’re here to grow. We’re here to learn,” Hammett said.
Meeting students at different academic levels is also among the greatest challenges educators face, she said. Teachers may have students who are exceeding expectations, approaching grade level and performing below grade level in the same classroom, requiring them to understand individual learning styles and differentiate instruction.
For Hammett, however, the students themselves remain the motivation.
Even on days when she may not feel particularly energetic before entering a classroom, she said interacting with students and tapping into their curiosity changes her outlook.
“You’re there and you’re making a difference,” she said. “That is what I feel has changed me — knowing that I really do make a difference in these kids’ lives.”
Being selected Teacher of the Year came as a surprise.
Because she works primarily with smaller groups rather than a traditional classroom, Hammett said she had not expected the honor. Knowing her colleagues recognized her contributions made it especially meaningful.
“It genuinely means so much,” she said. “We are team players.”
Wilder’s motto is “Hard work pays off,” a phrase Hammett said has taken on added meaning since she was named Teacher of the Year.
“It has proven to be true,” she said. “Hard work does pay off.”
Outside school, Hammett is the mother of two sons, 12-year-old Jamarion and 7-year-old Chace, who also attend Clarendon County schools. The family enjoys parks, basketball, football and movie nights. Writing is another passion for Hammett, who has published two children’s books and enjoys journaling. She is also active at ACG Ministries, where she sings in the choir and works with youth.
Years from now, however, Hammett hopes students remember something simpler than a particular lesson.
“I hope my students remember how much I care,” she said.
That begins each morning on bus duty with hugs, good mornings and her cheerful “wakey wakey, eggs and bakey.”
“I hope they remember the joy that I try to share with them every day,” Hammett said. “I want them to know that I’m there for them. That’s why I’m there.”
