The first year for a new teacher can be as much as of a learning experience for the teacher as it is for his or her students.

However, some teachers seem to tackle their first year with ease, their love for teaching evident to their students and fellow faculty members.

Oxford Middle School English teacher Tammy Trim was recognized Monday by the Oxford School Board of Trustees as the 2018 First Year Teacher of the Year.

“Your first year of teaching can be very hard and difficult,” said Candy Mize, director of curriculum and professional development. “But Tammy has done it with ease, grace, courage and strength.”

OSD had nine first-year teachers this year. Along with Trim, three other teachers were nominated for the award: Claire Rearick, a language arts and social studies teacher at Della Davidson; Madeleine “Maddie” Kitchen, a fifth-grade science teacher at Oxford Intermediate School; and Ben Logan, a math teacher at Oxford High School.

Each school had a committee to select a nominee. Those nominations were then reviewed and considered by a district-wide committee who chose Trim as the winner.

Trim was described as a dynamic, deeply committed teacher who fosters a safe environment where students are comfortable to take risks and ask hard questions. One nomination letter from a colleague said Trim takes the time to get to know all of her students, who often brag about how much they love going to Trim’s classroom.

Trim thanked the district for the award Monday night.

“Thank you for letting me light my spark here,” she said. “I really love what I do and I’m so honored.”

Trim graduated from the University of Mississippi with bachelor degrees in English and history.