Fulton County Honors Teachers of the Year

Each Spring Fulton County schools honor teachers throughout the system for their work and dedication to teaching. These education professionals are nominated outstanding educators based on teacher, staff and parent input.

Rebecca Perkins – Fulton County Teacher of the Year

Rebecca Perkins was named Fulton County Teacher of the year. Perkins is an English teacher at Alpharetta High School, and believes in high standards. The 17-year teaching veteran says that high expectations, various teaching methods and assessment, relevant learning material and teachers passionate about education are the key to a successful teaching career. She passes her enthusiasm on to her students.

“I believe students respond well to lofty yet reasonable expectations. I know that if I guide my students correctly, they can reach goals that they thought were unattainable and feel good about their efforts in the end even if they do not meet success initially,” said Perkins.

The former Chattahoochee High School teacher has taught at Alpharetta High School since it opened in 2004. Her principal, Buck Greene, says she is an exemplary representative of the dedicated, high quality educators found in the Fulton County School System. She is a model for all teachers, new and veteran.

As the district’s overall 2008-09 Teacher of the Year, Perkins now represents Fulton County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program, which will announce a winner next spring.

Ellen Hungerford – Elementary School Teacher of the Year

From an early age, Ellen Hungerford knew she was meant to become a teacher. She played school with dolls and stuffed animals, arranging miniature classrooms in her home. As she grew older, she pursued her dream and now teaches third grade at River Eves Elementary School.

Hungerford chose elementary education as a career because she believes in the honor of the profession and the profound effect a teacher can have on young minds.

“It is an amazing feeling to have former students come back to visit you, years after you’ve taught them, to reminisce about being in your class,” she said. “There are few jobs that provide as much of a reward as teaching. Nothing is more gratifying than helping a student and then seeing the joy and excitement from a lesson taught or having them ask questions or give insight that you never dreamed they could provide.”

Nick Cassidy – Middle School Teacher of the Year

Nick Cassidy has a tough act to follow. His colleague Eric Huston, also of Haynes Bridge Middle School, was the school system’s 2007-08 Middle School Teacher of the Year. However, while the two educators are alike in their passion and dedication, Cassidy distinguishes himself through his individual teaching style.

“Classroom instruction is the part most focused on by standardized tests, accountability and evaluations, and is critical to advancing a student academically. But to truly teach a child, especially one at the middle school level, the influence must reach several other aspects of their lives,” said Cassidy, a social studies teacher.

“In order to reach the students, a teacher must reach out to them, their families and the community in which they live,” he said. “A teacher must use this time outside of the classroom to teach life lessons, work ethic and the value of making the right choices, which will aid in growth in all aspects of [students’] lives.”

Lorenzo Combs – School Professional of the Year

Lorenzo Combs, a school resource officer at Holcomb Bridge Middle School, is described by his colleagues as “effective,” “influential” and “invaluable.” A 14-year veteran of the school system, Combs has been Holcomb Bridge’s campus police officer for the past four years and has formed strong bonds with its students and staff.

As a law enforcement officer, Combs makes Holcomb Bridge Middle School a safe place for students to learn. He also leads enrichment activities that emphasize and encourage fitness, healthy lifestyle choices and mental wellbeing.

Said Holcomb Bridge assistant principal Melinda Springman, “People like Lorenzo Combs are the type of people that make Fulton County as successful as it is. However, there is only one Lorenzo Combs, and he is by far the perfect example of why our school is such a wonderful place to be.”

Lillie Ford – Support Professional of the Year

A former temporary employee, Lillie Ford has found a permanent home in the Fulton County School System’s Human Resources Division. She originally was hired to do short-term clerical work but as leaders noticed her positive attitude, customer service skills and attention to detail, she was soon promoted to a full-time position.

As an employment application-processing specialist, Ford is the primary contact for all job postings and the school system’s online applicant tracking system. This places her in the forefront of the district’s efforts to source and eventually select the best employees.

Ford’s previous supervisor, Lance Young, calls her “the most hard-working, conscientious and loyal employee [he] has ever managed. “She continues to have a reputation for relentless customer focus and timely work outputs.”

These outstanding teachers and school/support professionals will serve as examples to their fellow Fulton County employees for the next academic year. A formal recognition gala will be held in the fall to celebrate their accomplishments as well as the accomplishments of the other teachers who were selected by their local school communities.