Atlanta schools names Barry Blackmon II 2014 Teacher of the Year

B.E.S.T. Academy teacher Barry Blackmon II has been named the 2014-2015 Atlanta Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Blackmon is a sixth grade English and social studies teacher at the B.E.S.T. Academy at Benjamin S. Carson Middle School.

“I come from a family of educators and I can tell you I tried to run from it, but got caught up in it,” Blackmon said in a written statement. “I love teaching and I believe my mission in education is to ensure that my students are knowledgeable, productive, and responsible contributors of the world.”

The other APS Teacher of the Year finalists are Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kesha Payne and High School Teacher of the Year Jayongela Wilder.

About the Author

Molly Bloom

Long-range plan could significantly change Atlanta’s schools

Declining enrollment and rising costs led APS officials to develop a plan that would “repurpose” 16 school buildings. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Atlantans speak out about plans to reshape the city’s school system

Gwinnett superintendent search marks pivotal point for school district

Gwinnett, like many Georgia school districts, is facing challenges in academic performance, school safety, retaining staff and the role of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Latest

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Long-range plan could significantly change Atlanta’s schools

Atlantans speak out about plans to reshape the city’s school system

Gwinnett superintendent search marks pivotal point for school district

Featured

Credit: AP

Greene says she regrets ‘toxic politics’ as split with Trump widens

Amid an ongoing political makeover, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urges a kinder tone and says the president’s attacks put her at risk.

Long-range plan could significantly change Atlanta’s schools

Declining enrollment and rising costs led APS officials to develop a plan that would “repurpose” 16 school buildings. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

‘Digital is real time, print is lifetime’: Farewells to the paper AJC

From the sound of the presses to framing special front pages, those who helped build the AJC share their memories.