- James Clemens High School
- Meet the Teacher
Phone: (256) 216-5313
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. English with a Teaching Emphasis Licensed to teach English 6-12 in Virginia and Alabama
Mrs. Colleen Paine
My family and I moved to Madison in 2019 from Hampton Roads, Virginia, where I taught English for 15 years. My family moved around when I was a child, but I spent most of my childhood years in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I attended Old Dominion University on a full academic scholarship. I met my husband during my sophomore year, and we married a month after graduating. That fall, I began my career in education and have been happily teaching ever since.
I've taught a variety of levels and courses and have grown as an educator through each one. In 2018, I was recognized as my school's Teacher of the Year. I was a member of the AVID site team, the Principal's Advisory Council, and the English 10 Grade Level Lead Teacher at my previous school. I look forward to getting to know you and your student this year. I am the National English Honor Society sponsor here at JCHS! I am also currently pursuing National Board Certification in English education.
We have two lovely daughters, who attend Madison City Schools. We also have two dogs, Chauncey and Trapper, who are spoiled rotten with love.
Why I Teach
I teach because education is essential to a fulfilled existence and a compassionate world. Neither of my parents attended college, and my father dropped out of school before earning his GED. Yet, there was an unspoken assumption in our home that my sisters and I would earn good grades and attend college because education matters. It opens doors instead of putting up walls; creates opportunities instead of hindrances. Life without education could be difficult and limited; my parents could attest to that fate firsthand. I earned academic scholarships for college. My sisters and I attended college, and we all became educators. This speaks to the power of education in one's self-esteem and well-being.
My goals are simple: to continuously improve both the teaching profession and my students' learning capacity and self-esteem. I want them to see their value and ability to contribute meaningfully to the world and how education will help them achieve this.
Check out my digital class bulletin board linked below. :)