SEC Quarterly Teacher Recognition
Quarter 1 Winners: Building Relationships (25-26)
Abby Kennedy: Manning Oaks ES
"This is my 10th year at Manning Oaks as a Special Education teacher. I co-teach and I also teach Lindamood-Bell
and small group math. I was a grade chair for 3 years and this is my second year as SEC PLC lead. I love teaching
because it gives me the opportunity to be a safe space for my students—a place where they feel supported,
understood, and encouraged. Watching their growth over time is one of the most rewarding parts of my work,
especially those moments when their eyes light up as they realize they can do something that once felt
challenging. Seeing their confidence bloom reminds me every day why I’m passionate about what I do."
Hannah Chang: Barnwell ES
"I began working in special education in 2023 as a paraprofessional and later that same year became a teacher in a self-contained classroom. I am currently a program class teacher for a self-contained MOID classroom at Barnwell Elementary School. What I enjoy most is seeing my students make progress, even in small steps—such as a student who once could only identify letters now being able to read words. These moments are incredibly rewarding and remind me why I do this work. I am passionate about supporting my students in developing skills that promote greater independence and enhance their quality of life."
Selena Scott: Sweet Apple ES
"This year is my 4th year working in special education. I am currently an IRR teacher in 3rd grade
cotaught setting and 4th/5th grade resource math. My favorite part about working in special
education is building close relationships with my students and seeing their academic, behavioral, and
social growth throughout the year. Something in education that I am passionate about is math and
Numeracy Project, so it has been fun teaching resource math this year!"
Quarter 2 Winners: Innovative Instruction (25-26)
Cameron Walker: Sandy Springs MS
"I became an educator about eight years ago, first as a teacher's assistant and eventually becoming a teacher for the last three years. Currently, I am a teacher at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School in an Autism program classroom. Making connections and the small moments with students such as an inside joke or seeing them make progress toward a skill we worked on brings me an incredible amount of joy. However, I am the proudest of my work helping my students develop their life and vocational skills to live the lives they want outside of school."
Emma Spearman: Sweet Apple ES
"I am a Preschool Special Education teacher at Sweet Apple Elementary with six years of experience serving students across a wide range of special education settings, including preschool, interrelated, autism self-contained, and MOID classrooms. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to teach exceptional students and witness their joy, perseverance, and growth each day. I am passionate about supporting positive student behavior and building meaningful, collaborative relationships with families and stakeholders. It is truly a blessing to teach special education and provide intentional, individualized instruction that empowers each student to reach their fullest potential."
Alexa Hild: Findley Oaks ES
"I have been teaching for 6 years, with 2 in special education. After teaching in the inclusion model, I discovered a passion for SEC students and moved into the AU support setting. I currently work with grades 2 and 3 and truly love this age group. I absolutely love their personalities and getting to see them interact with one another. A fun fact about me is that I teach at the school that I attended as a child. I get to work with some of my old teachers and mentors."
Quarter 3 Winners: Student progress and Advocacy (25-26)
Delicia Williams: College Park ES
"I have worked with exceptional learners since 2004. I was a paraprofessional from 2004-2007. I became an interrelated resource teacher in 2007 for Fulton County Schools. I'm currently the IRR teacher for K-2 students at College Park Elementary. I love when students realize the progress they have made, especially in reading. Comments from the students like “Ms. Williams, I remember when you taught us that! (Make my day). Fun Fact: I was a contest winner for an online game called EllenTube.com hosted and sponsored by Ellen DeGeneres.”
Deborah Bhanojirow: Banneker HS
"As a Special Educator, my work with children with special needs is not a job, but over the years it has become my passion and lifestyle. It extends beyond the walls of the school building, as my students get many opportunities to integrate and enjoy events in the community. I’m afraid to disclose how many years I have been in Special Education, because it is probably longer than the age of many teachers. Ok, so here goes…..46 years without burn out!
My decision was made at the age of 13 years, when I was sure that my heart’s desire was to be involved with children with special needs. I am in touch with my very first student, Kamal, a fascinating girl with Down’s Syndrome. She began eating solid food with me at the age of 9, and was my bridesmaid. Observing her arm movements, I taught her to write O. In her excitement of being able to write, there was no stopping her. Since the school was part of a convent in India, an elderly Nun put her arm around Kamal and asked her what she was writing. Kamal looked at her in surprise and said, “You’re so old and you cannot read!” This shows us that an IQ score is just a number, as there are profiles of intelligence and abilities within each child.
The only way for me to make progress with my students in my class of SID/PID/MOID, is to have a close connection with the family. I enjoy working closely with family members as we create a harmony between home and school.
My motto over the years is: “Only in a World of Love can we Unfold and Grow”
Crystal Atar: Crabapple MS
"My name is Crystal Atar, and I am an 8th-grade Special Education teacher co-teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies. This is my first year in special education, and I am deeply passionate about supporting students with compassion, high expectations, and a strong belief in their growth—earning me the affectionate title of “the school’s mom.” I draw daily inspiration from my students and feel honored to advocate for their diverse learning needs. Outside the classroom, I enjoy adventures with my husband of almost 20 years and our three children (with our oldest heading to high school—eeek!), as well as cooking, walking, and curling up with a good book on cooler or rainy days.
Attached is my photo, please let me know if you need anything else."