Mulberry Educator Named Gwinnett's 2014 Elementary Teacher of the Year

A Mulberry Elementary School educator has been named as the 2014 Elementary Teacher of the Year for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS).

Heather Watkins, a first grade teacher at Mulberry Elementary, was one of six semifinalists for 2014 Teacher of the Year.

The top prize -- 2014 Teacher of the Year for Gwinnett County Public Schools -- was awarded to Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology's Hyunjin Son.

GCPS CEO and Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks made the announcement during the annual TOTY banquet Thursday (Nov. 7).

"I think everyday, everyone here does the same thing as I do," she said. "It's your calling. You believe in what you do. You try to inspire as many kids as you can. And just to be recognized for what everyone else is [doing] is just, well, baffling."

Son is a 9th grade engineering teacher at GSMST. Her eight years of education has been spent all in Gwinnett County Public Schools. In her speech, she thanked her family, Principal Dr. Jeffrey A. Matthews, physics teacher Jeff Burmester, 9th grade physics engineering teacher Sheila Harmony, and Technology and Media coordinator Chris Gegen.

"I think I'm here representing GSMST because of this curriculum that we really believe in, that we have put our efforts together to accomplish. Honestly, I don't think this award is one that I can take on my own, but it was absolutely a team effort," Son said. 

Son was among the county's six finalists, who also included: Lissette McRea, who teaches sixth grade language arts at Berkmar Middle; Latin teacher Ashley Allgood of Brookwood High; Heather Watkins, a first grade teacher at Mulberry Elementary; Simpson Elementary's media specialist Stacey Dunlap; and sixth grade math teacher Carol Williams of Summerour Middle. Watkins was named the 2014 Elementary School Teacher of the Year and McRea received the award on the middle school level.

A total of 130 educators, one from every GCPS school, were recognized at the dinner and awards ceremony at the Gwinnett Civic Center in Duluth. Dr. Nikki Mouton, the master of ceremonies, gave the introductions, and each teacher was given a plaque by his or her district board member.

Dr. Francis Davis, the associate superintendent for Human Resources and Management for GCPS, said the welcome and acknowledgments. Jay Nebel, the 2013 TOTY awardee, gave an inspirational speech before dinner.