Hidden Heroes are honored for making a difference in their communities
Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI), a Georgia-based nonprofit organization, recently launched its fifth annual Hidden Heroes, a crowdsourced statewide campaign elevating regard for the teaching profession and igniting a wave of gratitude among the general public for the work of public school educators and employees.
Among the 130 statewide nominees for 2024, there were two local educators, one from Walton County School District and one from Gwinnett County Public Schools. From the nominees, nine in total were chosen, three from each of three regions, based on the number of votes that the nominees received.
Nominees ranged from paraprofessionals, school social workers, coaches, teachers, federal programs directors, nutrition directors, custodians, principals and superintendents. They were nominated by their communities and colleagues for their everyday acts of service, professional excellence, and deep care for students and education.
“Too often young people are not encouraged to pursue a career in education. Yet education is the profession that makes all other professions possible, and is a tremendously fulfilling way to make a difference in the lives of young people. With over 165,000 page views of nominees’ stories, we are so proud of how this campaign engaged communities statewide to elevate and celebrate all the professionals who make school – and a bright future of economic, social and civic prosperity – possible,” said Leslie Hazle Bussey, Ph.D., CEO and Executive Director of GLISI.
Melissa Bowen, a teacher with Sharon Elementary School from the WCSD ,was voted one of the three successful Hidden Heroes from the North Georgia region. She joins Norkesha Muhammad-Garrett, Director of Teaching and Learning, Henry County Schools and Dewayne Holmes, Detective Sergeant with Whitfield County Schools, in accepting the honor.
Below is the full nomination that inspired people to vote for Bowen.
Melissa Bowen
Mrs. Melissa Bowen is a teacher at Sharon Elementary School and the ’24-’25 Teacher of the Year. She is innovative, positive, engaging, and passionate and is difference maker and hidden hero because she goes beyond traditional teaching methods to truly inspire and impact students in profound ways. Here’s why:
She bring fresh ideas and approaches to the classroom, making learning dynamic and relevant. This fosters creativity in students and encourages them to think critically, preparing them for a rapidly changing world.
Melissa Bowen’s positive attitude can transform the learning environment, making students feel valued and supported. This can boost student confidence and motivation, leading to better academic and personal outcomes. She is also a role model for her colleagues.
Melissa makes lessons interactive and engaging, to ensure that students are active participants in their learning. Engaged students are more likely to retain information and develop a love for learning.
Her passion is contagious. When a teacher is genuinely passionate about their subject and about teaching, students are more likely to develop an interest and enthusiasm for learning as well.
Melissa goes beyond academics and runs a club called Jagriculture and it has also won the GAESP School Bell Award. She impacts not just academic performance, but also character and life skills with this club and in the classroom. Melissa takes good care of our Agriculture center (plants and animals) with the upkeep and providing the crops grown to our community.
All these qualities allow Melissa Bowen to leave a lasting impact on students, often unseen by the broader world, making them hidden heroes who shape the future in meaningful, lasting ways. We are blessed to have her as a teacher at Sharon Elementary School.
Each of the named Hidden Heroes and their nominators will receive cash prizes and will be celebrated at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast on Jan. 14, 2025. The nominators, who made this campaign a success, shared inspiring stories of impact, joy and gratitude for our education professionals.
This year’s Hidden Heroes was made possible because of the support of business partners and sponsors including Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education, Georgia Power, and Parker Poe, with a special thanks to Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
To learn more about the 2024 Hidden Heroes winners, visit hiddenheroes.glisi.org/2024.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA LEADERSHIP INSITUTE FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement is an education leadership nonprofit with the mission to Uplift school leaders> Transform mindsets and actions > Create vibrant cultures of innovation > Build excellent and equitable schools. Founded in 2001 by a coalition of education, business, and government leaders who believed leadership was the most impactful lever for improving public education in Georgia, GLISI provides leadership development and consulting to help schools unleash the potential in every child, retain outstanding educators, and accelerate community prosperity. Learn more about GLISI by visiting glisi.org
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