MACON, Ga. — A big part of being a journalist is searching for the answers to essential questions.
When we got this My Teacher is Tops nomination; we had to do a little investigating because the letter didn't say what school the student goes to. But we did have the teacher's name – or so we thought.
For almost six years, Mrs. Ambrielle Samuels has been a beacon of dedication at Southfield Elementary, tirelessly guiding her students toward academic excellence.
When we went to find her, we had to do a little more searching. She got married last year, but her school website doesn't have her updated name yet.
Her last name may have changed, but her impact on third-grade students has remained the same.
She says it's important to make connections with her students. Samuels has definitely made an impact on the student who nominated her, Jalesia Mahone.
"Mrs. Samuels is a nice teacher. Always been nice. She is my inspiration because she is very confident, and no matter what people say about her, she always speaks positively about herself and others," she said.
Samuels says she has wanted to be a teacher since she was in elementary school. She says she was really surprised to be nominated for My Teacher is Tops a second time.
"I always tell them I'm your biggest cheerleader, I'm going to motivate you, and they know, come to me, and I'll fight every battle for you. And to know that...for her to put it into words, the stuff I tell them all the time, it shows they really do listen to what we say," she said.
Congratulations, Mrs. Samuels!
There are just a couple of weeks left in the school year so only a couple of My Teacher is Tops winners left!
You can nominate them for My Teacher is Tops by writing us a letter or email.
Send letters to 1314 Gray Highway, Macon Georgia, 31211 or email us at MyTeacherIsTops@13wmaz.com.
You can also send us a video on the 13WMAZ app.