South Forsyth MS Educator Named Teacher Of The Year

CUMMING, GA -- Forsyth County Schools recently named Kim Schreier of South Forsyth Middle School as the 2019 Teacher of the Year for the school district.

Superintendent Jeff Bearden said Forsyth County Schools is fortunate to have so many outstanding teachers, with 3,000 employed in the school system.

"We want to thank you for your commitment and dedication to not only our students, but our community," he said during the annual Celebration of Excellence awards March 8.

Board of Education Chairwoman Kristin Morrissey read part of Schreier's winning essay, which said, "from a very young age, I can remember looking up to my teachers as role models. They exhibited a love for kids and made teaching fun. In all my years at school, I watched teachers who were passionate about their job. My passion for teaching comes from within, but my previous teachers helped find this passion."

Schreier, who teaches math at South Forsyth Middle, said this is an extreme honor when she found out she was a finalist.

“Forsyth County is filled with such high-achieving students and hard-working teachers, so to be named one of the top seven is an overwhelming feel,” she said to the Forsyth Herald. “I work in such a wonderful building filled with amazing teachers who do amazing things every day. It’s an honor not only for me, but South Forsyth Middle School. There are so many deserving teachers.”

During the Celebration, Schreier said teaching is not a 9-5 job that can be left at school.

"I could not ask to work at a better school," she said. "It is great to work in Forsyth County. I can't help but think of the number of lives the people in this room have impacted. There are people sitting in classes, in college and tackling their first jobs right now, thankful for the way you made them feel. They remember you making them feel special."

She encouraged her fellow educators to remember they can do anything they put their heart into.

"Keep encouraging your colleagues and inspiring your students because they need us," Schreier said. "It's not just about the content we teach, but the way we make them feel. I am honored to be a Forsyth County teacher."

Eligibility Requirements for Teacher of the Year:

Classroom teachers in prekindergarten through grade 12 are eligible. This includes special education, physical education, ITS, art and music teachers, and media specialists. Counselors are not eligible, but are recognized as part of the Counselor of the Year program. Candidates should have two or more years of experience, a full time teaching position and spend the majority of their time teaching students in a classroom setting. Supervisory and administrative responsibilities should be of secondary consideration.

Candidates for Forsyth County's Teacher of the Year program should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled teacher who:

• plans to continue in active teaching status
• inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
• possesses the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues
• plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school
• is poised and articulate

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