KARISSA STEWART

Staff Writer

Kstewart@calhountimes.com

Budget cuts, furloughs and accountability pressures don’t deter 2009-2010 Teachers of the Year Casey Parker and Deborah Waters.

“Educators may not be paid their worth in dollars, but we see the rewards in the eyes of the children whose lives we touch everyday,” Parker, Teacher of the Year for Calhoun City Schools, said.

“Knowing that I may be teaching a future doctor, lawyer or teacher is what inspires me to push all my students to their fullest potential,” she added as she addressed the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce March Booster Breakfast crowd Friday..

As Calhoun Primary School’s music teacher, she believes music can foster a child’s creativity and confidence.

“There is no greater joy as a teacher than seeing the face of a child who is withdrawn emotionally or who strug-gles academically, experience success through dance and song,” Parker said.

Waters, the Gordon County Teacher of the Year, instructs fourth-graders in math at Fairmount Elementary School. She said she is committed no matter what financial hardships may come her way.

“I feel that educators will meet the challenge we face with determination and a desire for student success, re-gardless of available money,” she said.

“I think limited resources, cutbacks in things such as copies have actually brought more creativity and ingenuity into our classrooms. It definitely makes us appreciate what we do have,” she added.

During trying times, parent involvement is key.

“We can’t overlook the importance of using parents and community members as a resource. In working together, we can help ensure that our students grow socially and emotionally, as well as academically,” Waters said.

Both teachers received an award following their speeches. The event was sponsored by Edward Jones and also featured remarks by principal Greg Gerard of Georgia Cumberland Academy, Gordon County Schools superinten-dent Bill McCown and Calhoun City Schools Superintendent Michele Taylor.

Visit www.gordonchamber.org for more events and information offered through the Chamber.