Congratulations to Christopher Brown, the Classified Employee of the Month!
Brown is a teacher assistant at Corinth Holders High, choosing the role with JCPS because he wanted to be part of a district that values students, staff, and the community.
Brown has been in education for three years and has truly found joy in supporting students and staff each day. Being a teacher assistant has helped shape both his professional and personal growth.
Brown's personal growth will continue as his first daughter makes her debut into the world in the next couple of weeks. It has been an exciting and meaningful season in Brown's life, and he is excited to become a father.
In his Spotlight Q&A, Brown reveals his belief in the value of building strong relationships and being someone others can rely on.
How does being named Classified Employee of the Month make you feel?
Being named Classified Employee of the Month is incredibly humbling and, honestly, a little surreal. It means so much to know that the work I do is seen and appreciated.
This recognition reminds me that even the behind-the-scenes roles truly matter, and it motivates me to keep showing up with my whole heart.
What led you to choose your role at JCPS?
I chose my role at JCPS because I wanted to be part of a district that values students, staff, and community. I enjoy contributing to a positive school environment and knowing my work helps support learning and growth.
Knowing that my work helps support students and staff every day and being able to head the Corinth Holders High Bass Fishing Team made this an easy choice.
What have you learned or gained from working in this profession, and how would you like to grow in your role after receiving this recognition?
Working in education has taught me patience, flexibility, and how to laugh when plans change, which they often do. I’ve gained confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of how important support roles are in a school.
I plan to continue my journey in education by going back to school and getting my teaching degree.
How do you create an environment where students feel supported and able to succeed?
I try to create an environment where students feel safe, welcomed, and encouraged, even on their toughest days. Sometimes support looks like helping solve a problem, and sometimes it’s just offering a smile or a listening ear.
I believe when students know someone cares, they’re more likely to believe in themselves, too.
Why are student and staff relationships important to you, and how do you build them?
Relationships are everything in a school. When students and staff feel valued and respected, it creates a positive environment where everyone can succeed.
I build relationships by being dependable, approachable, and genuinely invested in the people around me, and by remembering that kindness and understanding go a long way.
Describe a memorable experience that had a lasting impact on you. What made it special, and what did you learn from it?
One of the most memorable experiences for me was realizing how much a small act of encouragement could completely change someone’s day.
Taking the time to truly listen to students and understand them in ways they may not experience anywhere else has made a lasting difference in so many of their lives.
When I worked at an elementary school with Emotional Behavior Support (EBS) students, they would often ask to come see me just to calm down or talk through things happening at school or at home.
Those moments reminded me that sometimes the most important thing we can offer students is simply a safe space and someone who genuinely cares.