Meet a 2023 School Teacher of the Year: Rachel Blackman of Avery ES!

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 Avery Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rachel Blackman!

Every morning, the third-graders in Rachel Blackman’s classroom at Avery Elementary School share their goals for the day.

They can be to reach a new reading level, to pass another i-Ready math test, to be a better friend … anything they hope to achieve, whether academic or personal.  They also can share whatever else is on their mind or feels important to them that day.

At the end of the day, students close with their afternoon meeting, which is a time for reflecting on what they achieved, who helped them and what they need to work on more.

“These meetings have helped create a family environment within our classroom,” said the 21-year educator, who also coordinates Avery’s After School Program and was in this school year’s CCSD Teacher Leader Academy class.  “They have helped build a positive classroom community of kind, respectful and caring learners.”

The extra time Ms. Blackman invests in getting to know her students, listening to them and encouraging them does not go unnoticed by parents and colleagues.

“The culture of learning established within her classroom sets clearly defined high expectations for all students.  Mrs. Blackman shows her students daily that she believes they can succeed,” shared a colleague, whose daughter also was in her class.  “She has the ability to connect and communicate using a student-centered approach that fosters creativity, expression and leadership.”

In her own words: “When students feel valued, supported and respected only then will they be open to learning and stepping out of their comfort zone.  Establishing relationships built on mutual trust and respect helps students feel supported.”

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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