Fayette County Public School’s exceptional Teacher of the Year representatives proudly showcased their dedication to students on a day of exploration and professional learning. At the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, teachers were introduced to the many ways they could collaborate with Coweta-Fayette EMC, followed by an inspiring mindfulness workshop at Trilith, and an exclusive tour of its film production facility.

Fayette County Public School’s exceptional Teacher of the Year representatives proudly demonstrated their commitment to students by taking time out of their busy schedules to build connections outside of the classroom. At a luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Colin Martin shared his admiration for the educators and their contributions to the county’s economic success. He remarked that families move to Fayette County because of the high-quality public school education that teachers provide, stating that they are essential for the county’s ongoing prosperity.

Maggie Reenstra, representing Community & Economic Development with Coweta-Fayette EMC, offered ways classrooms can collaborate with the company, such as Bright Ideas grants and the SPARK Energy Education Program. Later in the day, teachers visited Trilith to learn about the studios, foundation, town, and Story Arts education curricular resources. The Trilith Foundation presented a mindfulness workshop, led by Krissy Lewis, to help teach strategies for work-life balance. To top off the event, teachers were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Trilith Studios, an opportunity to explore the many different roles it takes to run one of the nation’s most expansive film production facilities.

Sarah Thompson, a Flat Rock Middle School teacher, was proud to have the opportunity to focus on her development as a professional. She found it invaluable to explore ways to build connections for her classroom in Fayette County. Sarah was grateful for the professional learning event she and other teachers requested through a committee established by Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Patterson. Led by current Fayette County Teacher of the Year Christy Todd, the committee is working towards expanding the Teacher of the Year program, providing more opportunities for teacher-leader development. During the event, Maggie Reenstra from Community & Economic Development with Coweta-Fayette EMC provided insight into Bright Ideas grants and the SPARK Energy Education Program. Teachers then visited Trilith where they learned about the studios, foundation, town, and Story Arts education curricular resources. The day concluded with an inspiring mindfulness workshop led by Krissy Lewis, helping teachers learn strategies for work-life balance. Finally, teachers were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Trilith Studios, demonstrating the many different roles it takes to run a successful film production facility.

Thompson was pleased to have the opportunity to connect with local community partners and is excited to see what other professional development opportunities arise in the future. Fayette organizations and businesses that are interested in volunteering for future professional development events can contact Fayette Coordinator of Innovative Partnerships Virginia Gibbs at gibbs.virginia@fcboe.org.

Fayette County Public School’s Teacher of the Year representatives showcased their commitment to student learning and professional development with a well-rounded day of activities. From engaging in conversations about how classes can collaborate with the Coweta-Fayette EMC, to attending a mindfulness workshop hosted by Krissy Lewis, to touring Trilith Studios behind the scenes, this event demonstrated how teachers can build meaningful connections in Fayette County while pressing forward with their professional growth and development. Thanks to Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Patterson’s initiative and initiative supported by Teacher of the Year Christy Todd, educators will have many more opportunities to join together in learning what it takes to become excellent educators.