Tattnall Teachers Share Family Bond

November 13, 2025

Tattnall Square Academy teachers Carolyn Smothers and Carolyn Stuart are a unique pair. Together the mother and daughter duo have 63 years of teaching experience at the school. Both educators are math teachers and have very vested interests in their students’ successes. So much so that they’re the math team coaches as well.

But, it isn’t all academics that connect the two so deeply to Tattnall. Daughter Carolyn Stuart is an alumna of the school and has many fond recollections of her time as a student there. She has also seen her own children grow up at Tattnall and thrive in their family-oriented environment. Carolyn Smothers takes great pride in having taught her children and several grandchildren at the middle and high school levels.

When asked about their favorite memory of their time together at the school, both enthusiastically responded, “Faculty Follies!” This is a biannual event that Mrs. Smothers started in 1992 where the juniors and school faculty put on a show for the student body in order to raise funds for prom. Each year the performance hall is filled with hundreds of students excited about the show which is standing room only. Equally as fun is the annual talent show which began in 1985 and was overseen by Mrs. Smothers.

Together the mother-daughter colleagues have spent many years investing in their student’s lives. Mrs. Stuart was named the GISA Teacher of the Year last year, and her mother has been named Tattnall’s Star Teacher 14 times. It is clear that their love of education has blossomed at Tattnall.

When asked about their time at Tattnall, Head of School Dr. Travis Absher had this to say: “Mrs. Smothers and Mrs. Stuart play such a significant part in everything we do here at Tattnall. While they are highly decorated math teachers and excellent role models for all of our students and teachers, their actions behind the scenes are what make them stand out the most. Both Mrs. Smothers and Mrs. Stuart play an integral role in two of our largest school productions, and they consistently make time to support all of our students whenever possible. We will never be able to thank them enough for their sacrifice and service to Tattnall, but we will take every chance to honor and thank them for what they mean to us.”

In all, it is evident that these two educators have made a lasting impact at Tattnall. Their contributions will echo in the halls of the school for many years to come.