Teacher Feature: Cody Lamanac

By Barbara P. Jacoby

The great care shown to Cody Lamanac by his teachers while he was a Cherokee County School District student inspired his decision to become a teacher.

“School was a daily challenge for me as an elementary student, due to my being in a traumatic head-on car accident when I was in first grade. The accident impacted me physically and made learning especially difficult. As time progressed, school became less and less of a struggle due to the tremendous support of the teachers that I had in Cherokee County. Their involvement impacted me so much that as a senior in high school, I decided to go to college to earn a degree in education, so I could provide the same support and encouragement for students that I received,” said Lamanac, who began teaching math at Teasley MS five years ago and was selected by his peers as the school’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Lamanac, who graduated from Sequoyah HS and continued his studies to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, is known for following his teachers’ lead in showing great care to his own students. He’s also known for using innovative instruction strategies to make learning more engaging.

“I ask myself, ‘How can I expect students to be excited about learning if I don’t show enthusiasm for not only what I am teaching but also how I am teaching it?’ I encourage students to be excited about learning!” he said. “I make sure that I am zealous while delivering various strategies, activities, tasks, projects, and teaching practices that I utilize in the classroom. I also encourage students to seek and find a personal connection to the content, which helps improve comprehension and retention.”

One such example is using Math360 boards, which provide opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration and feedback. The boards also allow Lamanac the ability to provide real-time feedback that’s impactful in the moment. 

“Math360 proved to be a powerful tool that allowed my students to see and express the ‘why’ behind the math,” he said.

Beyond the classroom, Lamanac is involved in the Teasley community by volunteering his time after school and during evenings and weekends to run the sound system for student performances, club programs, and other activities. He also assists with the school’s student news crew and volunteers at his church. 

“I enjoy being active within my school and community,” he said. 

What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school? 

 “Student success is a product of the partnership between students, teachers, and parents. When parents are aware of and support school expectations such as having school-appropriate behavior, completing and turning in assignments on time, and preparing for tests, their students are more successful at school. When parents and teachers are on the same page, it makes a stronger network of support for students and aids in equipping them with the tools they need to be their most successful selves at school,” said Lamanac.