On August 1st, the Lowndes County School System proudly recognized the 2013-2014 teachers of the year. Each year, one teacher is chosen from every school in the system. Of those twelve teachers, one is selected to become the system winner. The selection of the Teacher of the Year focuses public attention on excellence in teaching within the Lowndes County School System. Those chosen are exemplary members of the teaching profession who create an enriching environment for their students to learn.
This year, Heather Epley (Pine Grove Elementary School) was selected by the judges as the system winner. Heather has been teaching elementary grades since 2000, most recently at Pine Grove since 2005. She teaches 5th grade and says, ” It is my mission to ensure that my students and I have a unique and unbreakable bond. Knowing that I am in their corner creates learners like I have never discovered. I have learned that when I honestly know my little people, not just as learners, but as people, whatever task is placed before them, they tackle it with 110%.” She will go on to compete for the Georgia Teacher of the Year in December with the winner to be named in May of 2014. .
All of the teachers were honored with a variety of gifts, generously provided by members of the community. Combined, the gifts had a total worth of over $15,000! Presenting sponsors were Valdosta North Rotary and State Farm agents Travis Pate, Angie Crawford, Paul Cribbs, Bubba Highsmith, and Brian Sumner. State Farm will send all of the school winners to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta for a professional learning experience and Valdosta North Rotary will honor the teachers and their guests as an October 29 dinner featuring Ron Clark.
Courtesy of Lowndes County Schools
