Precious Bayan, a 12-year Fulton County Schools art instructor, was named the 2022-2023 Fulton County Schools 'Teacher of the Year.' Ms. Bayan currently serves as art teacher and special area department chairperson at Brookview Elementary School.
"For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of serving at Brookview with Ms. Bayan as our amazing art teacher and special area chairperson," said Jovita G. Wallace, principal of Brookview Elementary. "Ms. Bayan is a phenomenal leader, teacher, innovator, and advocate for our kids. She serves relentlessly with poise, grace, and positivity and is a behind-the-scenes hero at our school. She uses her time and talents to support every program, schoolwide event, and transform our spaces into beautiful works of art. Not only does she support our students, but she also supports her colleagues and our families. She stretches our thinking and encourages art integration and creativity. I am blessed and extremely proud to have Mrs. Bayan on our team. Ultimately she embodies our school's mantra of being 'Great on Purpose.'"
Ms. Bayan was previously honored as Brookview's 'Teacher of the Year' 2022 and has served in numerous professional and school organizations. In her application she expressed: "Art education is critical in teaching respect over fear. My students may not be the next Picasso, but inside my doors, they will learn that their ideas, visions, and creations matter and are so important. To express themselves on canvas is to be vulnerable and human. They are showing who they are as a person, and in the process, developing a respect of self, and releasing the fear of other's opinions. With each work of art, they are building confidence in knowing that something they say, a thing they create, or just who they are will be deeply important to someone one day."
"Teacher of the Year" selection criteria includes contributing towards the continuous improvement of student learning and the school environment through demonstration of the district standards while creating a culture of respect and caring in the classroom, school, and community. It also includes demonstrating a knowledge of the subject taught and leading educational activities at the school, district, and/or state and national level.
Ms. Bayan will begin her year of service in July 2022 and continue through June 2023.
Watch the surprise celebration on FCS-TV
Original source can be found here.
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