Young Harris College MAT Alum Caitlyn Floyd Named Teacher of the Year
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Caitlyn Floyd, a 2020 graduate of Young Harris College’s MAT Program, was named the 2022 Pepperell High School Teacher of the Year. She earned this honor during her fourth year on the faculty and credited the role of YHC’s program and professors in shaping her approach to teaching.
Ms. Floyd previously attended Berry College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration. She then completed her Master of Arts in Teaching, a program designed to prepare students for accelerated entry into rewarding careers as teachers after one year, at Young Harris College. Students in the MAT Program take courses in real-time online or in a face-to-face format, and YHC coordinates their field studies in the fall and student teaching in the spring.
“Online classes could not have come at a better time,” said Ms. Floyd. “I had to quickly learn how to teach virtually due to COVID. Already having the experience with Zoom from the MAT courses aided in my success for teaching online as well as in helping other teachers in my school transfer from in-person to online in a matter of days.”
Ms. Floyd currently teaches multiple science courses, including biology and environmental science. Over the past few years, she has also taught forensics, anatomy, physiology, physical science, and yearbook. Ms. Floyd is the Lady Dragons Soccer Coach and Senior Sponsor, organizing Pepperell High School events such as Baccalaureate and Graduation.
“The MAT program at Young Harris was very valuable to me,” said Ms. Floyd. “I learned so much from the program, Dr. Boggs, Dr. Vautrot, Dr. Lunsmann, and Dr. Kleine. Teaching is so much more than just content; it is about cultivating relationships with your students so that you can grow their knowledge and prepare them for the world ahead of them. My professors at YHC helped me navigate the interests of all my students by teaching me how to hone in on their background knowledge and interests.”
Young Harris College’s MAT students graduate with both the academic and practical experience needed for bright careers in education. Not only has Ms. Floyd been recognized as Pepperell High School Teacher of the Year, but she has also embarked on a path to positively impacting students’ lives and developing the next generation of leaders.
Dr. George Boggs, Associate Professor of Education and Coordinator of the Master of Teaching Program, congratulated Ms. Floyd on this honor. “Members of the inaugural cohort of Young Harris’ MAT Program selected Caitlin Floyd to represent them as the very first MAT Representative Award recipient. And for good reason—Ms. Floyd exemplifies servant leadership, hard work, and willingness to learn,” said Dr. Boggs. “We are thrilled to celebrate her successes alongside Pepperell’s faculty, students, and families. To see an early career teacher like Caitlyn Floyd receive this special honor is inspiring.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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