WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — It's the end of the school year which means it is the end of My Teacher is Tops for the 2023-24 school year.
We've been holding on to this one letter from Houston County for a while.
And while we know every teacher goes above and beyond for their students, one special teacher at Parkwood Elementary is truly making an impact.
Mrs. Amanda Hickey teaches special education at Parkwood. She's been teaching for 14 years altogether.
Hickey said she always wanted to be a teacher.
She's certified to teach all types of students, but she says she couldn't imagine doing anything other than teaching the students she has now.
Hickey has seven students in her class ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade.
They learn the same things other students do but also some life skills - inside and outside the classroom.
Hickey was nominated by a fellow staff member Mrs. Tabitha Harris who says special education teachers don't always get the recognition they deserve.
Harris says Mrs. Hickey is a cut above the rest.
"She is a true gem to her students and to Parkwood. I would like for our community to know that we have someone here who doesn't mind the diaper changes, tube feedings and all the extra care that she gives her students," she said.
Mrs. Hickey says her favorite thing about teaching is being with her kids.
She says her advice to other special education teachers is to truly give the job your all.
"You just have to put your heart in it. You have to really care for the kids. That makes the job a lot easier when you care for them," Hickey said.
Congratulations Mrs. Hickey! Congratulations to all Central Georgia teachers and students for finishing the school year– enjoy your summer break!
If you have an upcoming 5th, 6th, or 7th grade student keep a lookout for an upcoming announcement about Junior Journalist auditions.