Education

High School Education:

1980 Cook High School Graduate

Adel, GA

College Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education P-5 (B.S.) 1995 - Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Masters' Degree in Educational Leadership                   P-12 (M. Ed) 2009 - Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Dual Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology with a Media-Specialist add-on Teaching Certification (Ed. S.) 2018 - Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Professional Affiliations:

Image result for professional association of Georgia educators emblem Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE)

Certifications:

Media-Specialist Certification 2018 - Valdosta State University 

Experience:

I've been teaching at Cook Elementary School since 1995 - Present.

2nd Grade - LA, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Health - Self- Contained.  October 1995 - December 1995 (Long-Term Substitute Teacher)

1st  Grade - LA, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Health - Self- Contained.  January 1996 -July 1996.

4th  Grade - LA, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Health - Self-Contained.  August 1996-97, Parallel Block - August 1997-99, Departmentalized ( Reading & Language Arts) - August 1999-2009, EIP Reading & Language Arts August 2010-2011.

4th Grade - Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies - August 2011-2014.

4th Grade - Reading & Language Arts (ELA) - August 2014 to 2018.

4th Grade - Reading & Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies - August 2018-July 2022.

Currently 5th Grade - Reading & Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies - August 2022 - Present.

Bio:      

Wow!  Where do I begin?  First of all, hello, my name is Crystal Astrid Hancock Wiggins.  Living in Cook County is something I have done all of my life. I was born, raised , and have settled in Cook County.  

My first employment at age 16, outside of my family, was with the Adel Restaurant as a waitress and during my senior year at Cook High School in 1980, I was employed by the Cook County DFACS office as an office clerk through a business course(FBLA).  I graduated from Cook High School in June, 1980.

In 1981, I worked with my family at H & H Tire Company, Hancock's Texaco Station, and Hancock's Gulf Station, along with previously working and living on a country farm since I was two years old.  My family established the first Catfish Farm in Georgia along with being very politically involved. We also produced various crops and livestock on the estate. My family was involved a lot with the FFA/FHA organizations.

In 1983, I chose to venture out to the enormous city of Valdosta, GA.  I pursued employment at Belk Hudson #510 as a saleswoman and accounts payable clerk.  After a year at Belk's, I had a great opportunity to expand my career at SAFT America, Inc. (a French battery plant) in accounts payable.  Then, I was motivated into the divisions of Production and Inventory Control, Procurement and Shipping. I was employed with SAFT America, Inc. for ten years while at the same time, I was also determined to obtain an Early Childhood Education Degree by taking classes at night.   

 I was fortunate to receive my Early Childhood Education Degree in 1995, also at the same time I was working part-time at Michelle's Formal Wear.  After receiving my degree I took a short break from everything. Then in October, I received notice of a wonderful opportunity to teach at Cook Elementary School and I have had the joy of teaching at CES ever since.      

 I have five wonderful children, LaRae, Keith, Becky, MaryBeth, and Joe along with five awesome grandchildren, Madison, Audree, Aden, AdaLynn, and Vicki.  I love each one of them extremely. Spending time with them brings joy to my heart. At home, I have two beautiful dogs, Bear and Ginger, and an awesome cat, Tomtom, along with an aquarium of unique fish.  Traveling is one thing I could never have too much of. Mystery movies, love stories, and the outdoors are other interests which bring pleasure to my life. 

My vision, belief, and goal:  Learning happens everyday, and I learn something new everyday.  In all of my years of experience, the most important thing in LIFE is LOVE!  My quest is to be the best that I can be.