Woodland's Freeman Bartow Schools' Teacher of the Year

By Sharon Roper

Woodland High School’s Brandie Freeman is the Bartow County School System's Teacher of the Year. 

Freeman has been teaching for eight years. At WHS, she teaches Earth Systems and AP Environmental Science. Freeman orchestrates her class so learning can unfold through science-driven activities. 

“The most important thing for me is to encourage students who may not like science; they can learn it, as science is all around us,” Freeman said. 

BCSS hosted its annual Teacher of the Year Banquet, honoring all 20 local school Teacher of the Year winners. From Superintendent John Harper to the Board of Education Chairman Davis Nelson, many well wishes were spoken to the crowd for their time and commitment to the students of BCSS. 

Sponsored by the Bartow Education Foundation, the community donated more than $10,000 in prizes. Plus, Wayne Moore of Georgia Bank & Trust, provided the meal. The local winners all received tokens of appreciation from local businesses. 

Freeman received a variety of gifts: $500 watch, numerous gift cards, complimentary heating and air maintenance service, overnight stay in Blue Ridge, money, an HD Nook, plus a $500 gift card from Kroger. 

“I thought it was a lovely night. I’m thankful to the community so much for helping teachers,” said Dot Frasier, executive director of the Bartow Education Foundation. 

During the process of choosing the BCSS Teacher of the Year, a team from Reinhardt University was brought in to evaluate and decide the finalists and the winner. 

This year the finalists were Kingston Elementary’s Pamela Fitzgerald and Adairsville Middle’s Sharon Reed, along with Woodland High’s Brandie Freeman. 

“In my 26 years of education, I’ve never known a teacher like Brandie,” said WHS Principal Melissa Williams. 

WHS has had a Teacher of the Year winner for the last four years. 

“I feel so blessed to be teaching in BCSS and to have the resources and the support in the schools,” said Freeman. “I will do my best to represent BCSS well at the state level.” 

BCSS thanked a number of local supporters, which are listed above.

Having trouble viewing the list on your mobile device? Click here.

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