It was a surprise-filled afternoon for an Augusta high school teacher.
LuTongel Few, who teaches science at Glenn Hills High School, received two honors on April 26 at the school gymnasium at an assembly she thought was to honor students.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’m on Cloud 9, 10, 11 beyond the stratosphere,” said Few, who received one of three BigFuture Visionary Teacher Awards as well as being named the school’s teacher of the year for 2024-2025.
BigFuture is a free online planning guide that helps students take the right first step after high school, according to the College Board, which offers the service.
And Few incorporates it with her students.
This is the first year for the BigFuture Visionary Teacher Award, according to Penny Damianeas, a director with the College Board. Three teachers were recognized out of more than 100 nominations.
Damianeas said through Few’s teaching, she “puts BigFuture in the hands of kids and makes them college and career ready.”
Few, who has been teaching for 18 years, said she gets no greater joy than when a concept clicks for students and not only do they understand it, but they can explain it to others and apply it.
“It if makes it to the kitchen table, I feel like I’ve done my job, and that’s the greatest gift,” she said.
Her mother, who was also a teacher, influenced her decision to go into the profession.
“I saw how she impacted students. I wanted to be the teacher that I wished I had and that my mom was,” she said.
The secret to her success with teens is being relatable and allowing them to see her as a human being not just a teacher. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t tough on them when it’s necessary.
“I don’t accept anything less than their best. I make sure that I‘m there. I‘m a resource for them, safe space for them,” she said.
Dennis Roberts Jr. nominated Few for the award because of her dedication.
“I nominated her because she’s truly an inspiration to students, teachers and staff. She goes above and beyond. A lot of times she stays here hours,” he said.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
