Presley Helms has become a fixture at Blanket ISD as she is preparing for her fourth year to teach pre-kindergarten.

“The grade I teach is Pre-K, which essentially means I cover all subjects and their social growth and development as well,” Helms said. “I love this age, because not only are they fun, but they are sponges to the world and get excited to learn something new every day.”

Helms had the desire to become a teacher for as long as she can remember.

“I’ve always loved to learn throughout my life,” Helms said. “The seed and joy of learning was planted in me before I can even remember. All I know is that I had amazing teachers and professors along the way that continued to water that seed, most notably my grandmother, Carmen Olibas, and mother-in-law, Tammy Helms. Their impact on me most definitely shaped my perception and made me realize how much of a difference I could make as a teacher myself.”

Helms grew up in the Permian Basin, attending grade school in Monahans before finishing out high school at Grandfalls-Royalty. She then attended Angelo State University and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English. Helms has spent her entire teaching career at Blanket.

In terms of the most rewarding aspect of her work, Helms said, “When I earn my students’ trust, love and respect. In the grade that I teach, I’m often the first non-familial person the child spends a lot of time with. Therefore, being able to earn their trust and shape little minds is quite an honor to say the least.”

Looking ahead in her career, Helms said, “I’m excited about the future of teaching in terms of seeing how the kids’ interests and capabilities change to fit trends and technology. And to be able to learn those things right along with them.”

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BrownwoodNews.com will highlight one Brown County educator per day in the month of July, based on nominations received on our Facebook page, for our Teacher Feature series.