WTOC Top Teacher: Amy Tomberlin

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - In her class, stories come alive as students try to find their own voice.

Amy Tomberlin, an 8th grade English teacher at Calvary Day School in Savannah, is being recognized as this week’s WTOC Top Teacher.

Tomberlin says her favorite part of teaching is watching students finally “get it” — especially when reading and writing skills start to click.

“My best part is the ‘A-ha’ moment. When they are reading or they are writing and something clicks. When they finally understand how to create an introduction or move into that conclusion smoothly,” Tomberlin said.

Tomberlin sets high expectations in her classroom, with the goal of preparing students for the challenges of high school. She hopes her students enter ninth grade feeling confident — and even relieved — because of the work they put in during eighth grade.

“To get to 9th grade, and be like ‘Ms. Tomberlin this is easy. 9th grade is so much easier than 8th grade.’ Good. That means you learned something and you are going to be successful,” she said.

Beyond academics, Tomberlin emphasizes the importance of relationships, making sure students know she supports them — even when she has to be stern or structured.

“It’s about that relationship. They know that I love them. Even when I am stern or structured, and they are not a huge fan of that… I always try to make them understand that I am doing that to help them get better… to help them move on to high school,” Tomberlin said.