2008 Overall Teacher of the Year
Rebecca Perkins
Alpharetta HS
Rebecca Perkins believes in high standards and it shows. The 17-year teaching veteran says that high expectations, various teaching methods and assessment, relevant learning material and teachers passionate about education are the key to a successful teaching career. She passes her
enthusiasm on to her students.
“I believe students respond well to lofty yet reasonable expectations. I know
that if I guide my students correctly, they can reach goals that they thought were unattainable and feel good about their efforts in the end even if they do not meet success initially,” said Perkins. The former Chattahoochee High School teacher has taught at Alpharetta High School since it opened in 2004. Her former principal, Buck Greene, says she is an exemplary representative of the dedicated, high quality educators found in the Fulton County School System. She is a model for all teachers, new and veteran.
As the district’s overall 2008-09 Teacher of the Year, Perkins now represents Fulton County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program, which will announce a winner this spring.
2008 Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Ellen Hungerford
River Eves Elementary School
From an early age, Ellen Hungerford knew she was meant to become a teacher. She played school with dolls and stuffed animals, arranging miniature classrooms in her home. As she grew older, she pursued her dream and now teaches third grade at River Eves Elementary School.
Hungerford chose elementary education as a career because she believes in the honor of the profession and the profound effect a teacher can have on young minds.
“It is an amazing feeling to have former students come back to visit you, years after you’ve taught them, to reminisce about being in your class,” she said. “There are few jobs that provide as much of a reward as teaching. Nothing is more gratifying than helping a student and then seeing the joy and excitement from a lesson taught or having them ask questions or give insight that you never dreamed they could provide.”
Middle School Teacher of the Year
Nick Cassidy
Haynes Bridge Middle School
Nick Cassidy distinguishes himself from other Fulton County teachers through his individual teaching style.
“Classroom instruction is the part most focused on by standardized tests, accountability and evaluations, and is critical to advancing a student academically. But to truly teach a child, especially one at the middle school level, the influence must reach several other aspects of their lives,” said Cassidy, who teaches social studies.
“In order to reach the students, a teacher must reach out to them, their families and the community in which they live,” he said. “A teacher must use this time outside of the classroom to teach life lessons, work ethic and the value of making the right choices, which will aid in growth in all aspects of students’ lives.
2008 Elementary Teachers of the Year
2008 Middle School Teachers of the Year