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2022-2023
Teacher of the Year
Precious Bayan
Brookview Elementary School
As an art instructor, Ms. Bayan believes that every student is a masterpiece in the making.“Working with students in a creative environment has made me see that we are all a work of art! And like all great works of art, we have a unique perspective that is important and must be embraced,” she says. “Find what makes you unique, what makes you beautiful, what brings you joy, and share that every day with your students, your family, your colleagues, and your community."
Currently at Brookview Elementary School, Ms. Bayan has been an art teacher since 2008. Her first assignment in Fulton County Schools was at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary and she remained there for six years until taking a short stint in Atlanta Public Schools. She soon felt the calling to return to her FCS home and has been at Brookview since 2015.
Ms. Bayan feels artistic expression is important to help students find themselves and unlock their potential.
"Art education is critical in teaching respect over fear. My students may not be the next Picasso, but inside my doors, they will learn that their ideas, visions, and creations matter and are so important,” says Ms. Banyan. “
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School Professional
of the Year
DeAnna Turner
Campbell Elementary SchoolCampbell Elementary School's High Dosage Tutoring Paraprofessional DeAnna Turner chose to become an educator for two reasons.“It was a legacy passed to me by my maternal grandparents who are both FCS retirees, and a host of other relatives both retired and currently working for the district,” she says. “My second reason is that I am a former cougar who loved my learning time here. Having the opportunity to pour from the same full cup I was given here was the ultimate opportunity.”Ms. Turner has been at Campbell for six years, spending four years as an instructional parapro in kindergarten and two years in the high dosage tutoring position.“High dosage tutoring gives me the opportunity to direct intentional focus on the scholars' deficits, set goals, and then help them work towards those goals,” she says."Mrs. Turner is an asset to Campbell and the community," said Principal Arthur Davis. "She is a perfectionist on the job and aims to positively impact students."
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Support Professional
of the Year
Daria Butler
Professional Learning & Leadership Development DepartmentDaria Butler has been called “an irreplaceable employee who gets things done.” The Fulton County Schools Central Office Support Specialist has excelled in many positions within the district, including as bus driver, Professional Assistant II in transportation, Professional Assistant III and now as a specialist in the Professional Learning & Leadership Development (PLLD) department.
PLLD Executive Director Alexandra Bates says, “Daria is one of the best teammates I have ever had because of her hard work, perseverance, and willingness to find the best solutions for our customers."
Ms. Butler was previously honored as an Office Management Certification/Financial Management Certification program participant and is currently a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, Wellness Ambassador, and Atlas Champion.
Ms. Butler strives to be a resource for others, providing a high level of service in her role through trust, respect, accountability, reliability, positivity, and persistence.
“Having a heart for service allows me to work and walk in excellence as I perform my duties,” she says.
