Congratulations to these outstanding educators, named among Roswell's Teachers of the Year. At Roswell City Lifestyle, we value our schools and are proud to introduce this year’s A+ teachers. We asked why teaching feeds their souls.
Katie Faucett, Sweet Apple Elementary, 16 years as an educator
One of my favorite things about teaching is the opportunity to get to know a new group of personalities each year who entertain, challenge, and teach me. I enjoy bringing personal interests and inside jokes into instruction. I love incorporating technology and real-life examples into our learning. Watching a student take ownership and work toward a goal, then achieve it is just the best! It is such a privilege to have an impact on these amazing little humans; not just in academics, but in learning to be a good citizen and friend.
Joy Harrison, Mimosa Elementary School, 10 years as an educator
I love teaching because of the strong relationships I get to build with my students and their families. I enjoy spending time with my students and getting to know them. These relationships form the foundation for the teaching and support of my students. I dedicate a lot of time to communicating with and supporting the students’ family so that we can work together to ensure that students reach their academic and behavioral potential. I am fully committed to enhancing the lives of my students and inspiring them to work hard, show responsibility, and treat themselves and others with kindness.
Peyton Healy, Northwood Elementary School, 8 years as an educator
I am excited to wake up every morning and walk into my school and my classroom. Teaching isn’t like a job to me; it’s a passion that brings me joy and a sense of purpose. Each day is different and may bring on challenges, but it’s also a new learning experience and motivates me to be adaptable, patient, and understanding. I love to build classroom community and help students develop not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Although I’m considered the teacher in the classroom, I am always learning from my students, and I’m so grateful to have a career that I love.
Alison Lieblich, Roswell North Elementary School, 9 years as an educator
I love to teach because I absolutely love working with kids. Not only do I enjoy seeing my students grow and progress, but I also love to see how excited and proud they are of themselves. We laugh a lot in my classroom, and I enjoy creating a safe and nurturing space for them to learn.
Leena Ringvall, Hillside Elementary School, 15 years as an educator
I love teaching because…
- Kids are SO fun. They tell you like it is without sounding mean or rude. They ask honest questions. They are curious and hungry for knowledge.
- You know you make an impact.
- You get SO.MANY.HUGS. in a day.
- You learn something every day too.
Jodi Schechter, River Eves Elementary School, 17 years as an educator
As a 5th grade reading and social studies teacher, I am energized and inspired when I see a love for reading grow within my students. I found that I have learned more from students than I ever would’ve imagined and it leads me to new ideas, new projects, and newfound creativity to bring into the classroom. I enjoy being an advocate for each of my students: academically, socially, and emotionally and want them to feel comfortable in a positive learning setting. I love working in a richly diverse environment and watching my students grow throughout the year! As a teacher, I am there for my students, and have high expectations to push them to be the best they can be—and encourage them to want to strive for better. Each year, I care about every one of my students and aim to empower them and prepare them for a bright, successful future.
Cristy Thomas, Esther Jackson Elementary School, 7 years as an educator
I teach kindergarten special education at Esther Jackson Elementary School. I love to teach because it is a beautiful thing to see your students learn and grow. I strive to create a positive learning environment that allows students to feel supported, safe, and to make both academic and social progress.
Congratulations too, to these Teachers of the Year (unavailable for this issue): Michelle Leatherman, Laura Shirley, Olivia Wheat
