WTOC Top Teacher: Hillary Shiver

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Everyday in her kindergarten classroom, she tries to make learning more like play.

Hillary Shiver loves teaching kindergarten at Jacob G. Smith Elementary School in Savannah.

“I just love the welcoming, the big hugs, the smiles, the sponges, ready to learn,” said Shiver. “So eager and so caring loving, and just interested in everything they teach them.”

Shiver says she knew when she was as young as these children that she wanted to be a teacher.

“I grew up in Coffee County, Douglas Georgia,” said Shiver. “Actually when I was little both my mom and dad were both teachers, so I kind of went right down that path. It’s something I always wanted to do. In high school, I always used to practice being a teacher. And decided that’s what I wanted to do when I went off to college.”

Shiver wants her students to know they can be anything they want when they grow up.

“My hope for them is to grow up and be wonderful individuals,” said Shiver. “Shoot for the stars in something they really want to do in life.”

“I hope they know how much I do love them and care about them. I want the best for their future, and I hope one day they look back and think, ‘Wow, Ms. Shiver really cared and loved me so much,’” said Shiver.