SEC Quarterly Teacher Recognition
Quarter 1 Winners: Building Relationships
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
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."