2010 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
    FORMER FULTON COUNTY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
    2010 SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR  
    BLUE RIBBON PARTNERS
    PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERS

FULTON'S TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Stephanie Clower

Overall Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year

¡Felicitaciónes! – or, Congratulations! – is an appropriate thing to say to Stephanie Clower, who learned yesterday that she was the school system’s Overall Teacher of the Year in a surprise ceremony. 

The 19-year teaching veteran has taught honors and Advanced Placement Spanish at Chattahoochee High School for the past six years, and before that, in private schools, in Henry County and in Madrid, Spain.  Her experience abroad brings relevance and credibility to her classroom, where she exposes students to the history and modern-day culture of Spanish-speaking countries and coaches them in mastering written and spoken fluency. 

“I believe that all of my students, with the help of the right tools, will be able to overcome any difficulties that the study of a foreign language and literature might present,” said Clower in her Teacher of the Year selection essays.  “I strive to find innovative teaching techniques that address the diverse needs of all students.  I am constantly on the Internet looking for that new web site or a free program I can use in my classroom.” 

Using as many technology tools as possible,  Clower tries to erase the geographical boundaries dividing her classroom and the world.  “I use the interactive whiteboard daily in my classes.  With this advanced technology, I am allowed to show my students that authentic painting we just studied in The Prado Museum in Madrid,” she said.  “I often go on virtual tours of museums, parks and celebrations from other countries.  We recently read about the traffic in different countries.  I then went to the Internet,  pulled up livecams from Madrid, and my students were able to see my point about the insane traffic jams that occur in more places than downtown Atlanta!” 

Clower also makes an effort to understand her students as personalities,  not just as pupils,  and finds ways to relate it back to the class’ lessons.  “Adapting to their needs over the years, I have become a better teacher.  I listen to my students.  I watch some of the shows they watch, I listen to some of the music they listen to,” she said.  “It may not be pleasant for me all of the time, but I do it for the connection.  I am able to show my distaste for a TV show, listen to their side and listen to them debate my side – in the Spanish language.”

She also pushes her students to go beyond their comfort zone.  “I insist that my students take the National Spanish Exam every year – no matter what level,” she said.  “It builds confidence and pride when a student who has been struggling earns a 90th percentile on a national exam.” 

In fact, Clower can boast that last year alone, her students earned more than 80 awards on the National Spanish Exam and had a 90% passing rate on the AP Spanish exam, with 96% earning a score of 4 or 5.  Scores of 3 or higher generally qualify a student for college credit or course exemption. 

Clower’s passion and aptitude for teaching impressed district leaders during the Teacher of the Year selection process, where they saw firsthand what makes her an exemplary teaching professional.“

When the bell rang and students left the class, you could hear them say how fast the time went,” said Dr. Linda Anderson, deputy superintendent for Instruction and chair of the Teacher of the Year selection committee.  “This told us [the committee] that students were engaged.  Not only were they learning, but they enjoyed the lesson and wanted more time in class.”

Now that Clower has been selected as the district’s overall 2010-11 Teacher of the Year, she will represent Fulton County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program, which will announce a winner next spring.

Elizabeth Crane
Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Elizabeth Crane, a chorus and music teacher at Oak Knoll Elementary School, says that “Teaching music is not only [her] profession, it is [her] passion.”  She recognizes that music activates a part of the brain that other curricula do not, and tries to create ample opportunities for students to be exposed to music.  Appreciation of music, she says, helps students improve their study skills and cooperative learning abilities and have a higher matriculation rate.

A passionate, energetic and dedicated teacher, Crane provides a safe and welcoming classroom where students enjoy learning.  She believes in an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and infuses other curriculum areas with her music instruction, knowing that writing and math concepts can be readily absorbed through song lyrics and rhythms.  Students also write and present introductions to music pieces performed at school concerts.  Multiplication tables and other math strategies are learned through songs and raps.

Crane seeks out professional development opportunities whenever possible to enrich her teaching practices.  In 2003, she earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, one of the most prestigious honors a teacher can achieve and also one of the most rigorous reviews of a teacher’s skill and credentialing.  She also co-directs the South Fulton County Honor Chorus, which brings together 40 of the most talented choral singers for specialized instruction and performances.


Courtney Beach
Middle School Teacher of the Year

A love for science led Courtney Beach to pursue a degree in environmental studies and zoology, but it was her love for knowledge that made her return to school to become a teacher.

After finishing college, Beach worked as an event planner while she contemplated whether to continue her science education in veterinary school or to become a science teacher, one of her lifelong aspirations. But in her home state of Ohio, classroom positions were scarce so she moved to Atlanta to start fresh and pursue teaching certification.

Now in her second career, Beach is living her dream.  She has taught physical science to eighth graders at Crabapple Middle School for the past three years.  Her classroom is filled with hands-on learning activities that help students learn how to think rather than what to think.  A recent activity had students learning how to construct circuits – series and parallel as two types – with wires, miniature light bulbs and batteries.  Students were told to first design a room in a shoe box and wire it for light, and within minutes, the class had discovered how to design a “series circuit.”

But students would soon learn that the boxes would be joined together, using “parallel circuits,” to create an interconnected, wired house.  By the end of the lesson, the students would understand – without worksheets, workbooks or in-depth classroom notes – the fundamental differences between parallel and series circuits.  And more importantly, they would be able to connect the real-world lesson of why they can turn on the light in one room of a house, such as their bedroom, without turning the light on in another room.  Due to an engaging lesson designed by Beach, students would learn parallel circuits make that happen


FULTON'S SCHOOL AND SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR

Suzan Dixon
School Professional Teacher of the Year

Sheila Michael, Northwood Elementary School’s principal, describes Suzan Dixon as “her GPS.”

On many occasions Suzan has literally been my GPS. I can say I haven’t lost my way with her guidance,” Michael says.  “Many others would concur that she represents Northwood by her obvious dedication to giving her best and providing a direction that points to our Northwood School Pledge: ‘Today I pledge to do my best.  I will respect others.  I will look at ways to grow and improve.  My life makes a difference at Northwood Elementary.’”

A 17-year veteran of Northwood, Dixon currently serves as the school’s bookkeeper and principal’s professional assistant.  Her colleagues say that she is the first to roll up her sleeves to get a task done and puts in many hours beyond the school day.  As just one of many examples, Dixon lent students a hand with their “Help for Haiti” fund raiser by helping roll the thousands of coins collected so teachers would not have the extra task.  She tries to alleviate pressure from teachers and other staff members whenever possible.

“Suzan is very approachable and always willing to drop what she is doing to answer a question or help in any way that she can,” says Michael.  “She truly lives the Fulton County motto, ‘Where Students Come First.’  At her core, there is a desire to always put students first.”


Wanda Brewer
Support Professional of the Year


Wanda Brewer, an accounting clerk with the school system’s School Nutrition Department, understands pressure and how to manage it well.  Hungry students don’t learn at their best, so she takes her job seriously when it comes to managing food orders and coordinating delivery schedules.

In a school system the size of Fulton, where thousands of food items and supplies are ordered annually, logistical issues occasionally occur.  However, Brewer handles each situation with poise and professionalism.  “Wanda is cheerful, pleasant, tactful and upbeat when dealing with others.  One can ‘see her smile’ when she answers the telephone,” says
Donna Pass, coordinator of School Nutrition Operations.  “Her communication skills ease potentially tense situations between [cafeteria] managers and vendors regarding product unavailability and delivery issues.  She is proactive in communicating to managers and they frequently express their appreciation to her for keeping them informed.”

Vendors also compliment her pleasant and professional demeanor.  One provider recently said that “If someone can’t get along with Wanda Brewer, then they have a real problem in this business.”  He went on to say that his staff thoroughly enjoys working with her – even if there is a problem to be resolved – because she is always so nice and pleasant to them regardless of the situation.

2010 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Elementary School
________________________________________________

Abbotts Hill
Julie Duhe		 Barnwell
Deidre Sauer		 Bethune
Rosilyn Smith		 Brookview
Summaya Knight
Campbell
Lisa Paulycarpe		 Cliftondale
Michelle Owens		 Cogburn Woods
Kim Sigsbee		 College Park
Keivia Petty
Conley Hills
Dana Arnold		 Crabapple Crossing
Mary Beth Tokarz		 Creek View
Michael Vorick		 Dunwoody Springs
Megan Feldman
Findley Oaks
Kate Ellsworth		 C.H. Gullatt
Leslie Thornton		 Hapeville
Rachael Chaffee		 Heards Ferry
Kelly Grothe
Hembree Springs
Lori Leigh Simmons		 Heritage
Katy Ulrich		 High Point
Elizabeth Roberts		 Hillside
Allison McCleskey
Hamilton E. Holmes
Shakara Hill		 Ison Springs
Tamar van Vliet		 Esther Jackson
Renisha Smith		 Lake Forest
Taylor Pratt
Seaborn Lee
James Payne		 S.L. Lewis
Carolyn Smith		 Liberty Point
Kara Coleman		 Manning Oaks
Cathy Moore
Medlock Bridge
Christine Bellagamba		 Mimosa
Rosalyn Beumont		 Mount Olive
Leda Hill Everett		 Mountain Park
Kim Creagh
New Prospect
Heather Pullen		 Love T. Nolan
Rasheeda Christmas		 Northwood
Amy Campen		 Oak Knoll
Elizabeth Ann Crane
Oakley
Wilbert Henry		 Ocee
Pam Weiser		 Palmetto
Katherine Christenberry		 Parklane
Tamera Zachery
A. Phillip Randolph
Erin Rogers		 Renaissance
Sandra Mitchell		 River Eves
Tammy Trepte		 Roswell North
Suzie Consoer
Spalding Drive Charter
Anna Cajiga		 State Bridge Crossing
April Adriansen		 Stonewall Tell
LaShawna McCoy		 Summit Hill
Rick Johnson
Sweet Apple
Amy O'Keefe		 Harriet Tubman
Earlena Smith		 Evoline C. West
Stephanie Kamara		 Wilson Creek
Mary Mills
Woodland Charter
Dawn Bramlett		    


Middle School
________________________________________________
Autrey Mill
Shaby Bedi-Rehal		 Camp Creek
Jacqueline Simmons		 Crabapple
Courtney Beach		 Elkins Pointe
Alice Smith
Haynes Bridge
Jeanne Perry
 Holcomb Bridge
Kim Kapella
 Hopewell
Audrey Murphy		 McNair
Tameka Braswell
Northwestern
Joanna Gillespie		 Renaissance
Lisa Harris		 Ridgeview Charter
Royanne Baer		 River Trail
Staci Brown
Sandtown
Maria Hines		 Sandy Springs
Tamela Richardson		 Taylor Road
Carolyn Britton
 Webb Bridge
Kim Delbridge
Paul West
Shani Buchanan		 Woodland
Creseda Moore		    

High School
________________________________________________

Alpharetta
Javier Fernandez		 Banneker
Algela Coaxum-Young
 Centennial
Catherine Wise		 Chattahoochee
Stephanie Clower
Creekside
Tania Bailey		 Langston Hughes
David Lee		 Independence
Leland Nicholson		 Johns Creek
Raqeeb Mustafaa
McClarin
Yvonne Isom		 Milton
Edward Forte		 North Springs
Jacqueline Protos		 Northview
Dorothy Kemptner
Riverwood
Brandi Herbert
 Roswell
Ian Irwin		 Tri-Cities
Shenita Davis		 Westlake
Kevin Cole
South Fulton Crossroads
Annette Chinn		 North Fulton Crossroads
Sherlynn Davis		    

FORMER FULTON COUNTY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Fulton created its Teacher of the Year program in 1975. In 1985, the recognition process changed to align with the
Georgia Department of Education's Teacher of the Year program.

2009-2010
Meredith Reddy		 2008-2009
Rebecca Perkins		 2007-2008
Basil Lee
 2006-2007
Nathifa Williams
2005-2006
Kelley York		 2004-2005
Adell Atwood
 2003-2004
Dru Tomlin
 2002-2003
Susan Messer
2001-2002
Barbara Wolf		 2000-2001
Amber Weldon Stephens		 1999-2000
Lori Martinez		 1998-1999
Charla Weinsier
1997-1998
Debra Mosley		 1996-1997
Catherine Suess Nilsson		 1995-1996
Myriam Seoane		 1994-1995
David Rector
1993-1994
Jeanne Grover		 1992-1993
Steve Terry		 1991-1992
Doug Martin		 1990-1991
Rusty Hudson
1989-1990
Herb Cox		 1988-1989
Sue Heller		 1987-1988
Barbara Atchley		 1986-1987
Myrna Robinson
1985-1986
Nancy Borgschulte		 1982-1983
Jane Willingham		 1981-1982
Claudia Melear		 1979-1980
Janet Kinard
1977-1978
Linda Lee-Parker		 1975-1976
Wanda Daniel		 1974-1975
Doris Robertson 		 

 

2010 SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
Administrative Center
Bobby Jones		 Jo Wells Center
Angela  Backmon		 Maintenance North
Earl Flynn		 Maintenance South
Dan Whitley
The Meadows
Wanda  Brewer		 Professional Learning
Chris Comeau		 Transportation
Leah Kearns		 Warehouse
John Howard

2010 SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR

Elementary School
________________________________________________

Abbotts Hill
Laureen Quinn		 Barnwell
Mary McDonald		 Bethune
Alesia Hellams		 Brookview
Latonia Stone
Campbell
Maria Elena Ramsey		 Cliftondale
Angel Tatum		 Cogburn Woods
LuAnn Taves		 College Park
Victoria Washington
Conley Hills
Teresa Wright		 Crabapple Crossing
Sherry Thomas		 Creek View
Karen McNamara		 Dunwoody Springs
Tamsin Abedin
Findley Oaks
Debra Van Wagner		 C.H. Gullatt
Glynda Edwards		 Hapeville
Nadia Moreno		 Heards Ferry
Linda Hayllar
Hembree Springs
Dee Duzak		 Heritage
Gloria Scott		 High Point
Caitlin Hanrahan		 Hillside
Jeanette Cuevas
Hamilton Holmes
Kandi Middlebrooks		 Ison Springs
Nancy Maki		 Esther Jackson
Cynthia Miller		 Lake Forest
Joan Schimelman
Seaborn Lee
Keith Anderson		 S.L. Lewis
Estrella McNealy		 Liberty Point
Lorenzo Davis		 Manning Oaks
Julie Branch
Medlock Bridge
Carol Lynn Kent		 Mimosa
Kenneth Wilson		 Mount Olive
Cathy Washington		 Mountain Park
Abdulgani Abutunis
New Prospect
Dayna Anderson		 Love T. Nolan
Waple Dawson-Griffin		 Northwood
Suzan Dixon		 Oak Knoll
Geanice Lewis
Oakley
Nicole Fudge		 Ocee
Joanne Fowler		 Palmetto
Dawn Bruce		 Parklane
Linda McKan
A. Phillip Randolph
Gwendolyn Jucks		 Renaissance
Charma Shaw		 River Eves
Sheri Brinkman		 Roswell North
June Myers
Spalding Drive Charter
Tonya Jackson		 State Bridge Crossing
Stacey Koon		 Stonewall Tell
Tashai Snell		 Summit Hill
Daniel Simonica
Sweet Apple
Michael Raven		 Harriet Tubman
Schleiermacher Peters		 Evoline C. West
Gloria Langley		 Wilson Creek
Eileen Checkelsky
Woodland Charter
Stephen Shea		      


Middle School
________________________________________________

Autrey Mill
Unnur Kornmayer		 Camp Creek
Anita Bates		 Crabapple
Linda Porter		 Elkins Pointe
Ellen Walsh
Haynes Bridge
Calvin Shirley		 Holcomb Bridge
Selma Sahinovic		 Hopewell
Wanda Belline		 McNair
Turquoise Mansfield
Northwestern
Dexter Mitchell		 Renaissance
Regina Christian		 Ridgeview
Donte Gathing		 River Trail
Michele Williams
Sandtown
Ailisha Jones		 Sandy Springs
Jackie Koo		 Taylor Road
Bonnie Santowski		 Webb Bridge
Elizabeth Millian
Paul West
Jesse Alexander		 Woodland
Kimberly Howard		    


High School
________________________________________________

Alpharetta
Lynne Loudy		 Banneker
Jessica Harris		 Centennial
Ellen Wiener		 Chattahoochee
Tangela McCorkle
Creekside
Horace Louis		 Langston Hughes
Randy Hardy		 Independence
Darrell McDaniel		 Johns Creek
Sue Mitchell
McClarin
Sandra McKissic		 Milton
Brantly Saye		 North Springs
Mary Stack		 Northview
Donagh Sender
Riverwood
Jennifer Williams		 Roswell
Vasily Rusev		 Tri-Cities
Emily Williams		 Westlake
Ouida Burke
North Fulton Crossroads
Danny Louchiey
 South Fulton Crossroads
Karrie G. Sanford
  

 

Blue Ribbon and Prestigious Partners

The Blue Ribbon Partnership Award recognizes outstanding relationships between schools and their partners.  Each year, schools nominate partners for this honor.  Partners are then asked to fill out an application detailing their relationship with the school.  Emphasis is placed on two-way benefit.  Applications are screened by a committee, and Prestigious Partners are chosen from this pool.  We thank all our partners for their generous contributions of time and resources
 

 

2010 BLUE RIBBON PARTNERS

Elementary School
________________________________________________

 
Abbotts Hill
and Publix Store #515		 Alpharetta
and WalMart Supercenter		 Campbell
and U.S. Food		 Cogburn Woods
and Chick-fil-A
Conley Hills
and Fort McPherson		 Crabapple Crossing
and Vivid Finish of North Georgia		 Creek View
and McDonald's on McGinnis Ferry		 Findley Oaks
and Z Pizza
Ison Springs
and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Phi Omega Chapter		 Seaborn Lee
and Lowes		 S.L. Lewis
and Amerigroup		 Liberty Point
and WalMart in Union City
Manning Oaks
and Equifax		 Medlock Bridge
and Karate USA		 Mimosa
and Fellowship Bible Church		 Palmetto
and Publix in Tyrone
Parklane
and Wachovia		 River Eves
and Berkshires on Nesbit Ferry		 Summit Hill
and Mathnasium		 Harriet Tubman
and SCANA Energy
 


Middle School
________________________________________________

 
Holcomb Bridge
and Girl's Inc. of Greater Atlanta		 Hopewell
and EXIDE Technologies		 McNair
and Zaxby's		 Sandy Springs Charter
and Sandy Springs Parks and Recreation
Taylor Road
and McDonald's		 Webb Bridge
and Rotary Club of Windward		    
 


High School
________________________________________________

 
Chattahoochee
and Shane's Rib Shack		 Tri-Cities
and Hartsfield/Jackson Atlanta
International Airport		  

 

2010 PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERS

Holcomb Bridge Middle School and Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta

In 2006, Holcomb Bridge Middle School formed a partnership with Girl’s Incorporated of Greater Atlanta.  Through bi-weekly small group participation of the most at-risk female students, a Girl’s Inc. facilitator provides educational awareness and empowerment to inspire young ladies.  The goal is for them to have the knowledge to make improved personal choices regarding their bodies and their educational goals.  This organization united with the School Social Worker and Graduation Coach to increase student self-awareness, combat subtle societal messages about individual value and ultimate potential, and promote informed, healthy decision-making. Taking these facets of Girls Incorporated and integrating them with the mission of Holcomb Bridge Middle School, a unique program was designed: The Girls Inc. Club of Holcomb Bridge Middle School. 

By enhancing educational experiences, individual empowerment, and positive character building, female students emerge with a developed awareness of their significance within the collective school community.  Asa result, the behaviors and choices that led to frequent absenteeism, discipline referrals and poor academic performance have been decreased and CRCT scores have risen.

Sandy Springs Middle School and Sandy Springs Parks and Recreation

The partnership between Sandy Springs Charter Middle School and the Sandy Springs Parks and Recreation Department has been beneficial to both parties for three years.  Sandy Springs, as a new city, did not have the luxury of undeveloped land to build recreational facilities.  Because Sandy Springs Charter Middle School is located on a large piece of very convenient property, they were able to offer the city the use of the facility in return for some very helpful benefits to the school and community. After gaining approval from the school system, the Parks and Recreation Department has been able to schedule adult and student sports leagues and camps for a variety of activities which take place on campus after school hours.  In return, Parks and Recreation has built an irrigation system for the soccer field, fenced and gated the property, scheduled activities that benefit the community, and provided free activities for students during the summer months. 

The school has benefited by having upstanding members of the community on the grounds during evenings and weekends, thus increasing school security.  Citizens of Sandy Springs have benefited from having access to the space.  Both parties feel that the partnership is a very good fit.

Tri-Cities High School and Hartsfield/Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield Jackson has provided superb support over the years in helping Tri-Cities High School accomplish the goals of their school plan, as well as granting students many opportunities they would not otherwise have had in high school.  In addition to monetary and in kind donations, Hartsfield has helped the school bring in other partners who will work with them to create a whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts.  For example, the Department of Aviation helps coordinate a mentoring luncheon with high-ranking African American aviation and corporate business leaders.  Tri-Cities’ Latino Heritage Program will be a collaborative effort among multiple partners, headed by Hartsfield Jackson. 

HJAIA has supplied tutorial supplies for students and teachers, hosted career discussion groups and provided Sampson Trailways transportation for students to attend planned activities and events.  They have also served as chaperones, provided speakers, and helped with summer employment for students.  It’s no surprise that Tri-Cities feels that, “To partner with Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is to have a corporate sponsor willing to assist their partner school just for the asking.  There has not been a time when the school made a request of the HJAIA and they did not respond positively.”

 

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