After 29 years of teaching life, mike yawnThe Bulloch County School District administrator and educator has announced his retirement at the end of the school year.
“I hope that I have had a positive impact on the individuals I have coached, my students, and those I have had the privilege of working with,” Yaun said when asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind. “I want everyone to know how much I enjoy being an educator.”
Mike Yorn, a Bulloch County native, has been the principal at Brooklett Elementary School since 2017. He began his career as a math teacher in Burke County for his one year and then returned to his alma mater, Statesboro High School. (90), he taught mathematics for nine years and was promoted to a leadership position as one of the vice principals for three years.
Christa branchBranch, who is the assistant principal at Brooklett Elementary School, will serve as the school's interim principal starting July 1. The district plans to name a new principal for the school by Jan. 1. Ms. Branch expressed that BES is an excellent school and that is her goal. To continue a supportive environment where students' individual needs are paramount.
In addition to leading Brooklet, in 2008 he became principal of William James, a feeder middle school at Statesboro High School, where he served as principal for nine years before transferring to BES.
Yawn is a double-headed eagle, earning both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in secondary mathematics education from Georgia Southern University. He later earned a professional degree in leadership from Argosy University.
“When I graduated high school, I got a scholarship from Gulfstream to study engineering,” Yaun recalls. “But when it came time to transfer from Statesboro, I decided to stay home. As I was looking for my next step, two of the most influential educators in my life A certain mother (linda yawn) and Ms Penny Sykes What it basically said to me was, “Why would you run away from a place you know you have to go?” I knew they were right. My calling was to teach and coach. ”
Yawn now jokingly refers to himself as a “free agent.” He is excited to explore his next steps professionally and spend quality time with his wife. kathyand his children, intention, Drewand katealong with other family members and friends.
“You're going to miss people when they're gone,” Yaun said. “I am so lucky to have had them in my life and I cherish the relationships we have built.Everyone I interacted with felt valued and supported and I felt authentic in every interaction. I hope my legacy is one of service, love, and support, and that we had fun along the way too. I hope you will. ”
All 40 of the Yawn School District's 2023-2024 retirees will be recognized at a special invitation-only banquet May 6 at Sally Zetelower Elementary School. This year's retirees have a combined 699 years of service to their communities and their children.
Christa branch
Ms. Branch is no stranger to Brooklett Elementary School. She joined the BES community as a parent in 2008 and was an active member of the Parent Teacher Organization for five years, including serving as president for two years. Her three daughters each attend that school.
In 2011, Mr. Branch joined the school's faculty as a long-term substitute for the gifted class QUEST. He began his 11-year career in 2013 as his fifth grade teacher at Bulloch County Schools. Her colleagues selected her from 2015 to 2016 as Brooklett's Teacher of the Year. For the past five years, she has served as one of the school's assistant principals. She also previously worked for Evans County Schools.
She holds a bachelor's degree in middle school education and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Georgia Southern University. She earned a professional degree in educational leadership from the University of Georgia and State University.
“BES has been and continues to be a source of joy for me,” said Branch. “I am humbled and excited to serve as interim principal at a school that I love dearly. BES has been my community and home for 16 years. From parents to substitutes to teachers to administrators, I believe that my personal and professional experience will be an asset in gaining a variety of perspectives.
