Perspective Online

A Heart to Give Beyond the Classroom

by Julie Lineback

Stevie Hoskins Jiles ‘12 has always had a special place in her heart for children. As a daycare worker, nanny and big sister to three siblings, she decided education was a better fit for her instead of her original theatre major.

Stevie Hoskins Jiles“I knew I wanted to teach special education when my cousin was born with Down syndrome,” Stevie says. “He made me want do more than just teach, but truly make a difference in a child’s life.”

Stevie has been a special education teacher at Hiram High School since 2012, a position she acquired after an internship at the school while attending UWG. She describes herself as a delegator and facilitator, and she encourages her students to be independent and think long term.

“As far as behavior management goes, I run a tight ship, but my motto has always been to make learning fun and engaging and to think outside the box,” she describes.

Stevie credits her professors and her time at UWG for giving her the life and job skills to be confident in her career. She reflects on her time at West Georgia as enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.

“Dr. Jessica Bucholz and Dr. Ravic Ringlaben made a huge impact on my education,” she says. “I never felt alone and knew I could count on them for great advice. When I worked and took classes at the UWG Newnan, Director Cathy Wright and Administrative Assistant Teri Lewis always supported my education and career choice.

“They are truly UWG employees who care about the students and staff, and they were by far my biggest motivators and supporters.”

It is for all these reasons that Stevie believes that UWG is a school where students can follow their dreams and receive the best education possible.

“It’s more than just a school,” she concludes. “It’s more like a big family. You are never alone, and you know you are capable of great things.”


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