Jackson High School's Gray Named APS Teacher Of The Year

by Patch Staff

Elisha R. Gray, a special education teacher at in Grant Park, was named Atlanta Public Schools' Teacher of the Year for 2011-12.

Gray was awarded the honor Tuesday night at South Atlanta High School.

“Ms. Gray represents thousands of APS educators in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district; their spirit, dedication and hard work nurture and enhance the lives of our students,” APS Superintendent Erroll B. Davis Jr. said, in a statement.

“I am extremely proud of Ms. Gray and all of our talented educators who support the mission of educating today’s children for tomorrow’s world.”

As a teacher of students with significant cognitive disabilities, Gray said she learns daily from her students what it means to achieve success, despite debilitating circumstances. Her motto: “I see abilities, not disabilities.”

Gray also is a sponsor of the National Beta Club, the authort of "Motivational Monday,"a weekly e-mail message focused on empowering educators. She also is mentor to new teachers.

She has an undergraduate degree in public relations from Howard University and a master’s degree in special education from Grand Canyon University.

As APS Teacher of the Year for 2011-12, she automatically becomes a candidate for Georgia Teacher of the Year, which will be decided later in the school year.

Runners-up for APS Teacher of the Year are Ashley A. Kulik of Mary Lin Elementary School and Ester Y. Walters Jordan of Joseph Brown Middle School.