Meet a 2023 School Teacher of the Year: Amy Youngblood of Ball Ground ES STEM Academy!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2023 Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Amy Youngblood!

Amy Youngblood discovered her heart for helping special needs children as a volunteer in her high school’s peer helpers program.

Now as a Special Education teacher, she has created the same opportunity for younger students by starting Friends Clubs at multiple elementary schools, including Ball Ground ES STEM Academy where she currently teaches.

“Friends Clubs build relationships and create a culture of inclusivity among the students with special needs and their general education peers,” the 27-year educator said.  “Friendships are formed that often extend past the classroom and students, special needs and general educational peers, learn from one another.”

While regarded as a highly skilled teacher adept at identifying the best instructional techniques to meet each student’s learning needs, Ms. Youngblood also earns strong praise from colleagues and her students’ parents for how she builds relationships.

“Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Amy has made a lasting impression on our family,” one parent shared, noting Ms. Youngblood’s summer swim classes for special needs children and her volunteerism for the Cherokee County Special Olympics, including as its swim team coach.  “I know from other parents she has shown up to extra-curricular activities like basketball games, and she even made a cameo at my son’s birthday party.  Mrs. Amy truly cares, and my son is so lucky she is part of his journey!” 

In her own words: “When I look back over my career, I see my greatest successes were because of the connections I made with my students and their families.  Making connections, breaking down barriers, addressing emotional issues and finding motivators are most often the keys to student success.”

Special thanks to our 2023 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration's Presenting Sponsors: Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Credit Union of Georgia, Northside Hospital Cherokee and Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Canton. 
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