GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – WITN’s Teacher of the Week is Connie Alphin, a fourth-grade teacher at John Small Elementary School in Beaufort County.

Alphin has been teaching fourth grade for the entirety of her 18-year career and has taught math and science for the majority of that time.

Alphin says she loves seeing the “lightbulb moment” and watching their eyes light up brings her so much joy, making everything worth it.

In her classroom, she aims to make every student feel seen and loved as one of her own as she is able to watch them grow over the year.

Originally from Ayden and a graduate of East Carolina University, she says she wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else in the state. Alphin says her John Small Elementary School family is built on lifelong relationships, friendships, and support.