“My name is Shannon Britton and I am a Special Education teacher at Valley Point Middle School. I was born in raised in Dalton, Georgia. I graduated from Dalton High School in 1983. I never understood how special Dalton was until I left for college at Clemson University. I remember talking about my life in Dalton with my new friends at Clemson, and they were blown away by my stories of growing up here. What I took for granted was unheard of in other communities. The school pride in all of our area high schools truly is special. Friday nights, homecoming parades, Youth Life bible studies, community bon fire pep rallies all made my teenage years memorable.
After college I moved to Florida to begin life in carpet sales. I lived in the Tampa area where I tried to make connections in that community. Three years later, I realized I didn’t belong there and moved back HOME. I met my husband Tim in Dalton, went back to school to earn my teaching credentials, began my career as a middle school teacher, and raised my two boys. There is no better place to raise a family than here. Dalton gave my children the same support and love that I received growing up here. I have lost both of my parents recently but am at peace because their memory lives on in the people of Dalton. For that I am so grateful.
I love Dalton. I love sharing life with my friends – my friends from high school and friends of my parents from high school. I love being able to go out to eat, or to the grocery store, or to church knowing I will see familiar faces. I love watching my past students grow into amazing citizens who will continue to help Dalton thrive. I love meeting new people who are making Dalton their home. Being able to serve during this crazy time of a pandemic is surreal. I pray daily that I will be able to encourage those I come in contact with through a smile rather than a hug. That’s been the hardest part because I am a hugger! I know we will all come out of this time stronger. Because we are living through this together and sharing common struggles, it is my hope we will show more compassion for our community than ever before.
As an educator who has worked in both of our public school systems, I can honestly say that the children of Whitfield County are blessed! Teachers in our area are working tirelessly to make school an unforgettable experience for our kids. Whether our kids are attending virtually or in person, teachers in ALL of our local schools are laboring to give our communities’ students a first-rate education. We teachers are learning more about technology than we knew existed. We have been decorating our rooms, putting packets together, and filling shelves with hand sanitizer. While it’s not the start of school anyone wanted, we assure you all that we are doing our very best to make this year one for the history books!