STATESBORO, Ga. — Laney Waters, a first-grade teacher born and raised in Bulloch County, has made it her mission to create a classroom filled with love, warmth, and inspiration. Since graduating from Georgia Southern University in 2020, Waters has dedicated the past five years to shaping young minds. Her journey to teaching wasn’t straightforward—originally pursuing a career in nursing, she felt a deep calling to work with children.
“I feel like the Lord definitely placed a call on my heart,” Waters explained. “It was either answer the call or regret it forever.”
Creating a Safe and Happy Space for Learning
Step into Waters’ classroom, and you’re greeted with vibrant colors and personal touches designed to feel like home. Her goal? To make every student feel safe, comfortable, and valued.
“No one wants to walk into a drab room every day,” Waters said. “I want my students to feel like this is their safe place, where they can be any version of themselves.”
From cozy decor to a picture of herself as a first-grader, every element of her classroom tells a story. That photo, in particular, is a reminder that learning wasn’t always easy for her. Waters uses it to show her students that with perseverance, challenges can become stepping stones.
Building a Foundation for Success
For Waters, teaching goes beyond academics. Every day, she works to ensure her students develop strong learning habits and life skills. Seeing their progress is the ultimate reward.
“When their little light bulbs go off, it’s like, okay, you did something right,” Waters said, reflecting on those moments when concepts click for her students. “You explained it in a way that they understood, and it stuck.”
Despite occasional self-doubt about her impact, those victories reaffirm her commitment to teaching. Her passion for her students is evident in how she describes them—not just as learners but as part of her extended family.
Lessons in Kindness and Compassion
Academics are important, but Waters believes in teaching her students values that will carry them far in life. Kindness, honesty, and empathy are pillars of her classroom philosophy.
“Being kind to everybody—no matter what they look like, how they act, or how they think—will take you farther than anything else in this world,” Waters emphasized.
She strives to instill these values in her students through both lessons and everyday interactions. Her approach is simple yet profound: treat everyone with respect and spread love wherever you go.
Championing Her Students
Waters doesn’t just teach; she cheers for her students every step of the way. Whether it’s celebrating small victories or encouraging perseverance, her belief in them never wavers.
“I want to build them up and celebrate all their victories, regardless of where they’re at,” she said. “I’m proud of all of them.”
This unwavering support leaves a lasting impression. Waters knows she might be the only source of structure or love for some of her students, and she embraces that responsibility wholeheartedly.
By combining her faith, dedication, and a commitment to fostering a positive environment, Laney Waters is making a difference—one first-grader at a time.
