Local Nonprofit Awards Outstanding Teachers, Including Midtown's Alison Shelton

Haena Yoo – Charles L. Gideons Elementary, first grade teacher

AFAEE has granted over a million and a half dollars to APS educators, their classrooms and schools over the last eight years.

Each winner was awarded $7,500, which includes funding for a school project of the winner’s choice ($3,500), funding for a professional development opportunity to increase the winner’s effectiveness in the school or classroom ($1,500) and a personal stipend ($2,500).

Some were surprised by a knock at their door in the middle of a lesson, some had lunch brought in by Chick-fil-A and others were summoned to a last minute “meeting.”  Winners were celebrated with balloons, over-sized checks, t-shirts for their students, and special guests. 

“The Atlanta Families’ board and selection committee were blown away by the commitment, talent, creativity and passion of these 10 educators,” said Katie McDowell, co-founder and president of AFAEE. “We look forward to watching how these grant dollars will be used by the winners to make a long-term positive impact on the lives of their students while strengthening Atlanta Public Schools from the inside out.”