The Manning Times is proud to kick off a special series celebrating the outstanding educators who have been named the Clarendon County Teachers of the Year for 2024. We aim to recognize and thank these remarkable teachers for their unwavering commitment to their students, their passion for teaching, and the positive impact they have on our schools and community. Stay tuned each week as we share their stories of dedication and excellence.
Krystina Timmons, a 1995 graduate of East Clarendon High School, has come full circle in her career, now standing as one of Clarendon County’s most distinguished educators. Timmons, who currently teaches at her alma mater, East Clarendon Middle High School, was recently honored as the school’s Teacher of the Year. Her journey to this accolade is deeply rooted in her upbringing, her family, and the profound influence of her late father, Van Barrineau.
“I grew up in Clarendon County, and I actually graduated from East Clarendon High School,” she said, reflecting on her deep connection to the area. Timmons grew up in the rural community of Barrineau, a place where the borders of Florence, Williamsburg, and Clarendon counties converge. Though now a resident of Florence County, her heart and career remain tied to Clarendon.
A lifelong learner, Timmons pursued her passion for education at Francis Marion University, where she earned her degree in elementary education. She later added Middle School English Language Arts to her credentials and is currently working on her Master of Education at Anderson University. But her inspiration to become a teacher came from much closer to home. “My mother and my maternal grandmother were both elementary teachers. I heard a lot of teacher talk around the Sunday dinner table,” Timmons shared. “It started stirring in my heart, and I thought, you know, my children are about to start school, and I’m going to start school too.”
Family has always been at the center of Timmons’ life, both personally and professionally. She has been married to her husband, John Timmons, since 1998, and together they have three children. Their eldest son, 22, recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary. Their 21-year-old daughter is in her final semester of nursing school at Francis Marion University, and their youngest, a 15-year-old sophomore, currently attends East Clarendon High School, just like his mother.
“My husband has been incredibly supportive,” Timmons said, emphasizing how John encouraged her to return to school for her master’s degree and even promised to help out around the house to make it possible. “He really helps me balance the demands of teaching with my personal life. He’s always been there for me.”
In the classroom, Timmons is known for her thoughtful and compassionate teaching style. She approaches each day with a deep sense of responsibility and care for her students, always seeking to understand their unique challenges. “I try to put myself in their shoes and see things from their perspective,” she explained. “Some of them may have come to school feeling down, or they may have some family problems. They might even be hungry. You never know what’s behind some of their problems, so I seek to understand where they’re coming from.”
Her teaching philosophy is built on fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where students feel like they are part of a family. “I seek to build a family,” Timmons said. “Relationships take time to build, but I want my students to trust me and feel comfortable taking risks in the classroom. It’s okay if they don’t answer correctly. I’m proud of them for trying.”
Timmons encourages her students to learn from one another, often incorporating group work and discussion into her lessons. “I believe learning is social,” she said. “I try to get them talking to each other and opening up, because I do believe that iron sharpens iron.” She is currently rolling out literature circles in her classroom, an initiative supported by the school librarian, to help students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.
Her career has been marked by moments of profound personal significance, particularly following the tragic loss of her father in a farming accident in 2020. Timmons recalls a student she taught whose father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and how their shared grief forged a deep connection. “During that time, I was teaching a child ...and I knew something was wrong with him. My heart went out to that child,” she said. “The pandemic happened that spring, and my father died unexpectedly. That young man’s daddy died two weeks later ... I was able to go to that child and visit him, and in my heart, I knew. I walked ahead of you.”
For Timmons, being named Teacher of the Year is more than just an honor, it’s a testament to the impact she hopes to have on her students, inspired by the lessons her father taught her about the value of time and the importance of making a difference. “It meant a lot to me personally ... one of the fruits of losing my daddy unexpectedly was knowing that we’re not promised tomorrow,” Timmons said. “I want to leave an impact, and it kind of gave me hope that maybe I was impacting somebody.”
Despite her accolades and ongoing educational pursuits, Timmons remains grounded in her love for the classroom. “I want to stay in the classroom. I love teaching. I think that’s my call,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to developing her craft and preparing her students for the future. “I would love to build more confidence. I would love to just know that I’m preparing students for the 21st century and that they are ready when they leave my class for high school.”
Timmons’ story is one of resilience, dedication, and the powerful influence of family. As she continues to shape the minds of her students at East Clarendon, she carries with her the legacy of her father and the strong educational foundation laid by the generations before her. Her journey, marked by both joy and sorrow, stands as a testament to the strength of family ties and the enduring impact of a dedicated teacher.
