- April 30, 2024
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Caryn King's English teachers at Mainland High School instilled in her a love of literature.
James and Elizabeth Carlin's example of literary passion for poetry, novels, writing and publication was on display on a daily basis, King said in a statement to the Observer. It's why she decided to major in English at Stetson University.
"I remember devouring and falling in love with various types of text, especially British [literature], there but decided that it wasn’t enough for me to become an author or editor just working alone with words," King said. "I realized that I felt pure joy when I was able to share each poem, drama, or writing with others."
She recalled how Dr. James Carlin — with his pure white beard and suspenders — brought humor to his classes, and how Elizabeth "Betsy" Carlin encouraged her to keep writing after King's grandmother died. She beamed when King enrolled in her creative writing class, King recalled.
Both examples helped carve King's path toward education, and King said her driving motivation was to be able to give future generations the same passion for literature that the Carlins gave her.
King, who was named Ormond Beach Middle School's Teacher of the Year and is one of five finalists for the district award, has been teaching since 2003, when she was hired at DeLand Middle School. Currently, she teaches seventh grade advanced English language arts classes as well as journalism.
"Overall, I enjoy making connections with the students and learning more about who they are and who they plan on becoming in the future," King said. "From being invited to band concerts and basketball games to sharing quick conversations with students about their favorite music artists or hidden skills allows me to see the beauty in each individual. I want to make sure that students feel seen and valued."
The nomination as Teacher of the Year for OBMS was a surprise, King said. Being named one of the top five finalists left her speechless.
"With each congratulations I hear, I remind myself that I would not be here without all of the support from my colleagues over the past 20 years," King said. "Administration, teachers, support staff, and custodians have all helped, guided, and molded me into the teacher I am now. I have a deeper purpose each day I step onto campus to be the model teacher that my school family see."
Being a Teacher of the Year has reminded King that every day matters — that her drive, her motivation and her class makes a difference in the lives of students, she said.
"Even though this profession is a multitasking, challenging, nonstop career, I am so blessed to be here," King said.
When she's not in the classroom, King is spending time with her family — cookies, watching anime, trying local restaurants, and of course, taking the occasional nap, she said.
If she could share one piece of wisdom with her students, it would be that middle school is tough, King said. "Students are figuring out who they are and what they want to be, so she hopes they stay true to themselves.
"Don’t be swayed by the negative thoughts and opinions of others," she said. "Don’t like something just because your friend does. Discover you and spend time learning how awesome you truly are."
