Dee Irby Self, a graduate of the Anderson University College of Education, feels blessed to have a job that she loves and to be able to help her students succeed academically, just as she was helped when she was a young student.
Self, a resource teacher at Whitehall Elementary School and Concord Elementary School, said, “I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I attended Varennes Elementary in Anderson 5 and had amazing teachers who made learning fun. I also received extra help in the areas of reading, writing and math from a teacher, Mrs. Altman. It was in her classroom and seeing her pour into the students, helping each one overcome their own learning difficulties, I knew I wanted to grow up and be just like her.”
Self has been teaching for 19 years. She previously served as a second-grade teacher at Calhoun Academy of the Arts before teaching virtually during the COVID shutdown. While teaching with Anderson 5 Virtual Academy, she made the decision to transition into a new role as a resource teacher.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Self said. “I absolutely love being able to support students in a small group setting, meet them where they are, and help them grow.”
Moved by Self’s dedication in helping their son navigate his learning disability, his father and grandmother nominated her for the Golden Apple Award. To them, Self was like an angel of mercy—someone who helped him rediscover joy in learning, particularly in reading, writing, and math, areas that had previously been challenging for him. The student’s father shared with WYFF-TV, “He loves school and does not complain. He does his homework, and he is excited about learning now. He is happy about school, and we wanted to recognize Mrs. Self for helping him.”
Self jokes about the day she found out she was receiving the Golden Apple Award. Her principal, Missy McKenzie, had carefully kept the honor a surprise, so Self had no idea until a news crew suddenly walked into her classroom. When WYFF reporter Destiny Chance and her videographer appeared, she looked up in shock and asked, “What are y’all doing here?” Beyond the surprise, Self says she is grateful to those who nominated her and believes any one of her coworkers would be just as deserving. “I work with some of the best teachers,” she said. “It was just a very amazing moment. I’m very honored to receive this award, especially knowing how few teachers are selected each year.”
Self is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and sees the potential in every child who walks into her classroom.
“There is something special and unique about each one of them, and I’m going to find it,” she said. “I want my classroom to be their safe space, and I want to be their person—the one they can cry to, set goals with, celebrate successes with, or simply release frustration.”
Self finds joy in watching students begin to believe in themselves. Over the years, she has seen many overcome their fears and grow in self-confidence.
“I love when a student tells me, ‘I can’t do this,’ because I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to show them that they can—and they will—with my help,” she said.
Self loves staying in touch with her former students, living by her motto, “Once your teacher, always your friend.” She shared many stories, but a few stood out as especially meaningful. One former student is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Yale, and whenever he is home, they meet up for sushi to catch up. Thanks to technology, he still FaceTimes her for pep talks and shares his success stories. Another student, whom Self describes as being “like a daughter,” recently joined her family on a cruise to Jamaica—a trip neither of them will ever forget. Still another former student welcomed a baby two years ago, and Self was invited as a surprise guest to the baby shower and later to the hospital after the baby was born. When the new mother placed the baby in her arms, she smiled and said, “Meet your grand-student.” Self proudly added, “I’m a grand-teacher! I have so many former ‘babies’ I still keep in touch with because, again, that relationship truly matters.”
After finishing high school, Self had nearly enough college credit to pursue a business degree, but her heart was set on teaching. As she explored her options and visited several campuses, Self ultimately fell in love with Anderson and decided to enroll. She looks back fondly on her professors, who made her feel like more than just a number. “The professors at Anderson teach from the heart—they truly care,” she said. “I saw Jesus in my professors at Anderson, and I want my students to see the same in me.” Self graduated in 2007 with a degree in special education and elementary education. In 2014, she returned to earn a master’s degree in education.
“Mrs. Self’s words resonate with the mission of the College of Education and the high quality, devoted, servant leaders we are striving to prepare,” said Anderson University College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn. “She understands the lasting impact an educator can have on the life of a child and has spent her career facilitating positive change, one student at a time. We congratulate her on her accomplishments and thank her for representing Anderson University and the College of Education so well.”
Self shared a fun memory from her college days.
“Have you ever heard the legend of the swings on campus?” she laughed. “They say if a couple sits there together enough times, wedding bells will follow—and it worked for my husband and me.”
Self lived in Kingsley Dorm, where her husband would often visit, and the two would sit together on the swing outside.
“That’s where we shared our first kiss,” she said. Years later, when the Selfs were expecting and choosing a name, they knew Kingsley was the perfect fit for their daughter.
“I love Anderson University—and I have so many wonderful memories there,” Self added. “Kingsley loves visiting campus, I hope that one day she will walk those grounds as an AU Student.”
When asked what advice she would give to future educators, Mrs. Self’s response reflects both her heart and her faith. “Just love those babies. They are precious and so unique,” she said. “I truly believe there are no mistakes on a class roster. God knows which children are meant to be in your classroom and places you there for a purpose. Find the reason that child is on your roster and not across the hall, and you’ll find your purpose too. That’s huge.”
It’s that belief—paired with compassion, dedication, and faith—that continues to shape the lives of her students long after they leave her classroom. For Mrs. Self, teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling.
