If you were asked, who is one of the most successful coaches in TSA history, you might be surprised that the list would include a female.  Mrs. Carolyn Smothers, teacher and Math Team coach, is most well known for her Championship Math Teams that she has led here at TSA. In her 31 years as a Trojan, she has taught Geometry, Algebra I, and Algebra II and 8 years ago, she added Problem Solving, which was designed with the intention of preparing her students for math competitions.  As a teacher and Math Team coach, Mrs. Smothers was crucial in developing the Tattnall Varsity Math Team, which won the GISA State Math Team Championship in 2010, 2011, and 2012, an unprecedented accomplishment.  The team was State Runner-up in 2013.   Mrs. Smothers’ Junior Varsity Math Team also excels, and students on both Varsity and JV continually receive individual first, second, and third place awards as well.

Not only does she expect a lot from her students, she is also one who goes above and beyond her own normal responsibilities.  In addition to being an exceptional math teacher, she took on the role of Junior Class Sponsor in 1984 when her son, Andy, was a junior. At this time, Mrs. Smothers began the Tattnall Talent Show to help the juniors raise money for the prom, and she continued as director of this annual event for the next seventeen years.  Then in 1991, she began the Faculty Follies, another fundraiser for the Junior/Senior Prom, which she directed for the next 10 years. During her years at Tattnall, Mrs. Smothers has also served as Department Chair and been a member of the Honors Committee and the Academic Committee. Most noteworthy in her accomplishments is being selected Star Teacher six times and being named the 1991-92 Georgia Star Teacher.

Mrs. Smothers is known as a hard but excellent teacher who cares deeply for her students. She never fails to take the opportunity to share her faith or pray with her students; therefore, many seek her counsel. When alumni are asked to recall great teachers at Tattnall, Mrs. Smothers name is always one that is included on that list! So it is only fitting that she add one more honor to her résumé by being named Teacher of the Month.

Even though Mrs. Smothers has enjoyed tremendous success in teaching math, it was never a part of her initial plan to be a math teacher after graduating from Emory.  Little did she know that God was going to use the subject she minored in to play a major role in His will for her life.  He is always in the details, and we are blessed that he included TSA in her plan!