BONAIRE, Ga. — At 13WMAZ, when we get a My Teacher is Tops letter like this one, it's obvious a lot of work went into it. The whole envelope is brightly colored. It says to handle it with care, and it was sealed with strong tape!
We had to come to Bonaire Elementary to surprise the special teacher!
Mrs. Tiffany Banks teaches 5th-grade science, math and social studies at Bonaire Elementary School.
It's her first year teaching 5th grade but she's been an educator for nearly 20 years. Mrs. Banks says this class is special because she taught many of them in 4th grade last year and now gets to grow with them in 5th grade.
When we came to surprise her, students were getting a slice of their latest science project about the parts of a cell. Thye were tasked with making edible diagrams of plant and animal cells.
Student Marti Wilson says Mrs. Banks always greets her students with a sweet smile, makes learning fun and shares her interests with her students.
"She plays 80s music. Before 5th grade, I didn't really play 80s music. But now every car ride I ask my mom to play 80s music," Wilson said.
Banks says she started teaching because she loves kids.
"I wanted to make an impact in their lives. I relate to them very well. I like to have fun, we like to cut up and they get my corny jokes," she said.
Congratulations Mrs. Banks!
Students, we know you've got some teachers you love!
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 Junior Journalists might just surprise your teacher next!