The “I don’t get it” look that makes a student feel doubtful is what gives teacher Deborah Waters inspiration.

Waters, a fourth-grade math teacher at Fairmount Elementary School, greets all of her students with a smile, and looks for ways to help make math problems manageable.

“I’m constantly looking for ways to help those students in math who struggle or just don’t get it,” she explained.

As the result of her focus on students, Waters has earned the distinction of 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year for Gordon County schools out of nine nominees in the Gordon County school system.

“I’m still in shock, and I’m surpised because there are so many excellent teachers,” Waters said Tuesday evening, a few moments after receiving the award.

The award was announced at a special ceremony and reception held at Sonoraville Baptist Church. Waters received a Dell laptop, $250 cash and other gifts from local businesses in the community.

Waters, a native of Fairmount, has worked at the elementary school for 23 years. She graduated from then West Georgia in 1993.

“I’ve been fortunate to teach in the community I’ve grown up in, and they’ve been trusting and so helpful,” said Waters.

Since she was young, she knew teaching was the job that fit her personality.

“I provide a nurturing, comfortable environment for my students,” Waters said. “I try to inspire in them a love of learning and a passion for math.”

The only thing she doesn’t like about her job is feeling that there’s never enough time in the day to accomplish it all.

“We have so many responsibilities and we have to show accountability and it doesn’t feel like there’s enough time,” Waters explained.

Her son has been the recipient of her inspiration as well.

“My son’s been inspired to be a teacher and it runs in the family,” Waters added.