Bartow Schools: Excitement Surrounds New Teachers

By Sharon Roper

Back to school not only brings anticipation from students but BCSS also has 81 new teachers who are excited to join the classroom. 

BCSS Professional Learning Department hosts its annual New Teacher Orientation, which provides new teachers an overview of the system and allows them to meet department heads and colleagues. 

This year the event kicked off with motivational speaker Dr. Ike Reighard, pastor at Piedmont Church in Marietta. As new teachers enter their first year of teaching, it is very important for them to receive support from their administrators and fellow teachers. 

“We try to give support by bringing them together. When they get to their local school, they will be given a mentor as well. Throughout the year, we also support them through Professional Learning,” said Janice Gordon, coordinator of School Improvement and Professional Learning. 

During the event, one could sense the excitement from the group ready to start school. , 

“I can’t even put into words how I feel," recent KSU graduate Christie Barnett said. "I’m super excited to be teaching in BCSS." 

Barnett will be teaching eighth grade Social Studies at Cass Middle School. She returns to Bartow as a Cass High School graduate as well. 

“I’m 100 percent here because I want to serve kids,” commented Hope Tew, who is returning to teaching after being home with her family for six years. 

She will be teaching sixth-grade Math and Science at Cass Middle School. 

Heather Clark, a Berry College graduate, admits she is a little nervous. 

“I want my students to work hard to achieve success,” said Clark. 

She will be teaching seventh-grade English at Woodland Middle. 

“We begin the 2013-2014 school year with over 81 certified new hires in areas ranging from Pre-K to 12th-grade teachers, special education, ESOL, and counselors. As we met for New Teacher Orientation to introduce these new members of the Bartow County School System, we shared their excitement and anticipation of kicking off a successful year,” said Macy Defnall, executive director of Human Resources and Support Services. 

Tell us what you think in the comments, share your photos and videos, and don’t miss any of the local news you care about—subscribe to Cartersville Patch's newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.