Golden Apple: Lori Giles, North City Elementary

ATHENS, TN (WDEF) – Love, passion and patience are important qualities for a teacher. Lori Giles has all three combined with a tireless work ethic. That makes her a perfect fit at North City Elementary School in Athens.

Angel Hardaway is the principal at North City.

She explains, “Ms. Giles is one of our very special instructional assistants here at North City School, and we’re so very blessed to have her.  She is one who will do anything that is needed for anybody, and so we’re just so blessed to have her.

When asked to describe herself Lori says, “Lori Giles is a mom and a teacher. I love kids. So, I feel like this is what I’ve always been meant to do in my life.  I feel fulfilled, that’s pretty much it. No, I wasn’t sure at first. I got this job, and I just fell in love with the kids, and and I really enjoy what I do.

Mitsi Poole is a Special Education Teacher at North City.

She says, “Ms. Giles assists us in the special education department by, always looking out for the students, always trying to come up with new ideas to help a student in need. She’s always thinking about the students, and I know every day that she truly loves the students.”

Lori adds,”They just need someone to understand them and love them, and I really, I really feel that in my heart. I love it.

She concludes, “I never knew. I was kind of always afraid to work with kids that needed extra help. You know, I was kind of intimidated by it, but I fell in love with a kid about three years ago here at school at North City, and I’ve loved it ever since. Just being with the kids and seeing them grow, it’s just amazing to see what they can accomplish.”