BISHOPVILLE, S.C. — Ms. Monneka Meeks is a middle school science teacher at Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy.
One of her missions as an educator is for her students to get a better understanding of the world and people around them.
"I hope they gain lifelong skills. Not just science, but those skills that they're going to need in the workplace. Like being able to relate to somebody who's not from your culture and being able to open up to somebody who is not American,” says Meeks.
Born in Jamaica, Ms. Meeks moved to the United States four years ago to teach in Bishopville. But she says it wasn’t an easy transition.
“I wasn't from America. I'm not from the culture they're used to. So, at first, it was hard. They didn't really like me much, but then they got to know me, and they were like, oh, this makes you kind of cool. I'm like, see y'all didn't give me a chance," says Meeks.
But the Albert family saw her potential immediately.
“I think, and I see, that she's a great teacher, and she does an awesome job,” says Julisa Albert, whose daughter attends the academy.
"That shows she has a good heart,” says Ja’Niya albert, a student at the academy.
Ja'Niya says Ms. Meeks attends her volleyball games and supports her both inside and outside the classroom.
“She always came to her home and away games," says Julisa Albert. "They nominate three girls from the team as the all-star team, and Ja’Niya was one of them. And she surprised her at her all-star game.”
“Sometimes we work, and we do things, and we don't expect to be recognized," says Ms. Meeks. "I do it not to be recognized. I'm just doing it because that's what I love, and this is just me. So, to see somebody that actually recognizes and appreciates and shows their appreciation, that is a plus. So that just touched my heart.”
Born to a family of educators, Ms. Meeks taught three years in Jamaica before coming to the United States.
“I always wanted to be a pediatrician, because I always loved kids. But due to circumstances, I did not get to be a pediatrician. So my next calling was teaching, which I've been doing for the past seven years. And I've always had a good relationship with my kids,” says Ms. Meeks.
And she doesn’t plan on leaving the academy any time soon.
“I wanted to experience a different culture and bring my culture into classroom as well,” says Ms. Meeks.
“I think she's a good teacher. And not even a teacher. She has good passions,” says Julisa Albert
If you know a teacher like Ms. Meeks who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.