MACON, Ga. — Bibb County teachers had a big reason to celebrate Monday night. The school district crowned its newest teachers of the year!
Educators from all over the county gathered at the Grand Opera House to honor the top teachers. Laughs, hugs and excitement filled the venue.
This year’s teacher of the year — Kim Barton from Vinveille Academy — was among the people recognized at the event.
"It's an amazing feeling," Barton said. "It is such a huge honor to represent Bibb County, a city that has grown me."
At the end of the night, every teacher was given a gift as a thank you for their hard work. Bibb County School District’s Superintended Dan Sims also gave a speech to the teachers.
Barton says her fourth graders were thrilled when they got the news. The star teacher says her star students make the difference.
"Not everyone gets to do what they love every day when they go to work," Barton said. "It doesn't feel like work because I'm greeted with little humans that are waiting for me to love me.”
And, at the end of the day, it is her students that motivate her to be the best every day.
“I love them back," she said.
The event was more than just recognizing Barton. They were recognizing all the teachers in the district.
“Go into your classroom with passion and compassion and the rest will take care of itself,” Barton said. "I didn't go into this to become teacher of the year. I just love my students and I love what I do."
Other finalists this year include Kasaundra Kirkland of Heard Elementary School, Suneetha Panda of Northeast High School, Brittany Gonzales of Rutland High School and Mitzi Heath of VIP Academy.
Barton offered some advice for other teachers:
"Lead with love," Barton said. "And everything will work out."