Mrs. Kathy Thornton is currently a 3rd-grade teacher at Pataula Charter Academy. Throughout her teaching career, she’s had the opportunity to teach the following grades: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th. Before becoming an educator at Pataula, she had the honor of teaching in Walton County, DeKalb County, and Randolph County. She also received the title Teacher of the Year in Walton County and Teacher of the Year as well as District Teacher of the Year for Randolph County. She is a third-generation educator with a passion for making a difference in the lives of her students.
Two PCA parents who nominated Mrs. Thornton describe her as a talented and dedicated educator who goes the extra mile as she works to ensure students succeed.
“Kathy is an amazing 3rd-grade math teacher. 72% of her students met their projected growth on the Winter MAP Growth benchmark, which put her growth in the 99th national percentile ranking for MAP Growth,” says one of the Pataula Charter Academy parents who nominated Mrs. Thornton. “She has a wonderful rapport with students and makes learning engaging and fun for them. She is also a strong teacher leader and takes on many responsibilities outside of the classroom; such as serving on committees, organizing the Spelling Bee, and coaching cheer.”
“Kathy teaches my son, Maddox, in 3rd grade Math. She goes above and beyond to make learning fun for her students,” says Jennifer Jenkins, a Pataula Charter Academy parent. “To encourage students to learn their multiplication facts, she offered an ice-cream party for all students. Each set of facts they learned, they got a specific ice-cream topping. Kids work so hard to get all 12 sets! They want their bowl of ice cream to be packed full of goodies!”
Ms. Thornton received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University. She also holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University.
