Jaymi Craig has been named the 2024-2025 Fairfi eld Intermediate School Teacher of the Year.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Teacher of the Year, and I’m incredibly humbled by the recognition. I wouldn’t be here today without the support of amazing friends, family, and coworkers that have pushed me to be better everyday,” Craig said. “I am forever grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way, and thankful for the coworkers and administrators that have quickly become family at the intermediate school.”
Craig grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield High School in 2010. She graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Craig has been teaching for ten years and currently teaches fourth grade math.
“Ms. Craig is a great educator because she genuinely cares about her students’ academic and emotional wellbeing. She takes the time to build strong, meaningful relationships with each of her students, ensuring she understands their individual needs,” Fairfield Intermediate School Principal Shetonia Scires said. “Committed to continuous improvement, she attends workshops to find innovative ways to connect with her students and enhance their learning.”
Craig started her career in third grade math in Madisonville for four years. She then went to Dew and taught self contained first grade for two years, and has been in fourth grade math in Fairfi eld for four years now.
“Ms. Craig is special to the Fairfield Intermediate family because of her dedication to both students and staff,” Scires said. “When Ms. Craig arrives at school, she often spends a few minutes each morning greeting students with a smile as they arrive at school, helping them feel welcome and supported at the start of their day. She also serves as a mentor teacher, offering guidance and sharing helpful ideas to support new teachers in their classrooms.”
When asked why she likes being an educator, Craig said, “I think that every teacher wears many hats. We do way more than just teach the subjects. I know that many people have lost faith in the public school system, but I’m a huge underdog fan and truly believe that we are there giving these kids everything we have everyday in order to see them succeed in the future. I want kids to know that they can do anything they set their mind to because the mind is a powerful tool, that they are tougher than they think and can push themselves, that learning never stops, and the value of hard work. I really enjoy seeing kids from years past that remember me and share all their successes. I’ve always believed that once you’re one of my kids, you will always be one of my kids.” Scires noted that in Craig’s classroom, learning is both engaging and meaningful, with students actively involved in lessons and activities.
“Ms. Craig uses games to make learning fun and provides personalized support by regularly pulling students for extra help,” Scires said. “Her strong rapport with students and deep understanding of their academic needs ensures that every child has the opportunity to succeed and grow.”
When asked what has been her favorite memory as an educator, Craig said, “It’s hard to pick just one. There are so many kids that I have had along the way that have taught me so much that I will be forever grateful for. Seeing kids as the living definition of the saying ‘fall down seven times and get back up eight’ is what pushes me forward and challenges me everyday to show up for these kids.”
Craig is a member of the Fairfield Baseball League Board of Directors. She coaches t-ball and basketball, and is also an active member of her church.
Craig has three children that are her world; Gentry (11), Charlie (9), and Benton (6). She says that her parents, Jerry Don and Kristi McLeod, are phenomenal and that she owes them everything.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, hanging out with her friends, and watching her kids in all their activities.
“Fairfield is a wonderful district,” Craig said. “I am thankful to be able to teach in the same district that I grew up in, that I have the administrative support that I have at the intermediate school, and that I work with the most amazing people everyday.”
