Educators that Excel

The talented individuals cultivating our community’s youth

By Olivia Putnal DeLong | Photos by Sara Hanna

I grew up living and breathing education. My grandmother, grandfather, mother, aunts and cousins are all educators—from kindergarten teachers to principals. My family truly believes in the power of teaching. While I don’t share their career choice, education is still very much in my heart and in my blood. I’ve come to appreciate the value of a really good teacher; really good principal; really good coach.

An educator who arrives before his or her 7 a.m. report time, works on the school yearbook until midnight, responds to emails after supper, travels the country with a 200-member marching band, treks the state for football championships and travels to Paris with the French Club to reinforce language lessons; a teacher who immerses him- or herself in every class, certification course or experience to help enhance their impact on students’ lives—those are the teachers who stand out.

With my family background, it’s no surprise I jumped at the chance to connect with area educators and congratulate them on a job well done. Educators don’t often get recognized. Sure, a holiday cookie or a homemade valentine from a student means the world to them (they keep these special notes in filing cabinet folders or on their bookshelves for their entire career!), but it’s not often that you see them in magazines, highlighted for their outstanding work and efforts over the five, ten, 15, 20, or 40 years they’ve been in the school system.

Simply Buckhead is taking the opportunity to recognize the teachers and administrators in our community who make a positive impact on parents, colleagues and, most importantly, students. Whether they’re five years deep into the school system, or 20, we believe that what they do makes a difference.

Get inspired by reading their stories and getting to know these selfless individuals who help our community schools and students reach their maximum potential.

Allee Burka  |  Freddie Benschine  |  Dr. Freda Hamilton  |  Colleen Znosko  |  Leigh Record