PULASKI COUNTY, Ga. — Central Georgia students have been busy this school year - so busy that we've only received a few my teacher is tops nominations.
But our Junior Journalists are all geared up to surprise teachers. Abigail Goss went to Hawkinsville to find this week's honoree.
Pulaski County students are all under one roof now, the Elementary, Middle, and High School students are in one complex. We went to the Elementary school to find one dedicated fourth-grade teacher.
Mrs. Kinnas has been teaching for close to 30 years, most of it in Houston County.
These days, she teaches fourth-grade gifted students different subjects, like math, ELA, and reading.
She says she's taught pretty much every grade except second. One thing she does that her students love is dot day, where she uses the book "The Dot" to teach kids they are all special in their own ways.
She says the most important thing about being a teacher is building relationships with students and making them feel cared for.
"The very first thing you need to do is build relationships with your students. That is the most important thing, let them know that you care about them and then they'll care about you and then the learning just falls into place," she said.
Fourth grader Maci Denmark sent a full-page handwritten letter to us detailing the many things she loves about Mrs. Kinnas!
"Even though I just started fourth grade three months ago, I feel like I've known her my whole life. My teacher Mrs. Kinnas deserves a lot of love," she said.
Congratulations Mrs. Kinnas!
Now that so many students are back in the classroom, we know you've got some teachers you are loving!
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.
Make sure to include your name, your teacher's name, and what school you attend.
Get a parent to help you upload the video, and our JJs might just surprise your teacher next.