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2002-03 Cobb County
Teacher of the Year:
Mary Ann Lasseter
 Mary Ann Lasseter, a fourth grade teacher at
Dowell Elementary School,
was selected as the 2002-03 Cobb County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Lasseter earned her award while teaching at
Mt. Bethel Elementary
School.
Chosen from among nearly 100 Cobb County teachers, Ms. Lasseter was
awarded this prestigious honor for her many contributions during her
teaching career, most notably the unique communications project she
developed for her class following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Establishing a real relationship with her students, a relationship
built on mutual respect, is Ms. Lasseter’s highest goal with each
class she teaches. “The teacher has to demonstrate in their words and
deeds that the opinions of the student are valued and needed in every
aspect of the class. I think it is the job of the teacher to be a
facilitator that helps each individual find his or her own talents,
strengths, and visions for the future.”
Following the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Ms. Lasseter sought a way to
help her students understand what was happening in the world and
handle the emotions that enveloped the country. Through a unique
communications project, Ms. Lasseter’s students regularly emailed a
U.S. Naval officer stationed in the Middle East aboard the USS
Theodore Roosevelt. Through these email exchanges, the children were
able to learn and grow as students by sharing in firsthand experiences
with the officer. Upon the USS Theodore Roosevelt’s return to the
United States, the students met the officer in person and were able to
give him poems they had written in his honor in Ms. Lasseter’s class.
Ms. Lasseter uses many innovative teaching methods within her
classroom. By using a theme throughout the year, her students are able
to look at past, present and future events from the world scene to the
classroom. “Our theme of ‘Conflict and Cooperation’ allows us to
discuss ways to create mutual respect by looking at the examples of
conflict and cooperation in each incident, from the presidential
election, September 11th, the Revolutionary War, etc.,” she explained.
“It makes for great discussions in class meetings about differences
and mutual respect throughout the year.”
She focuses on the importance of students making personal connections
to the subjects she teaches, and the ability to see the “big picture”
in order to understand how the “parts” fit together. Ms. Lasseter is
able to put this method to work in her social studies and math classes
where she uses the concept to promote thinking, self-confidence, and
an appreciation for differences among her students.
Ms. Lasseter began her teaching career with Cobb County in 1971 as a
resource teacher and special education teacher, before leaving
teaching to pursue other opportunities including coaching and judging
baton competitions, a lifelong interest. Ms. Lasseter rejoined the
Cobb County School District in 1997. During her career, Ms. Lasseter
has taught children in second through fifth grades.
Earning her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University (B.A.,
Elementary Education, 1971), she went on to earn her master’s degree
in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University in 1999,
before returning to Georgia State University to earn her specialist
degree in May 2002.
“Teaching is the one profession that regularly allows you
opportunities to touch the souls of others,” she said. “Whether you
are a trained educator, a parent, an employer, a worker, an adult, or
a child, we are all teaching each other and learning from each other
every day.”
“I have learned that the joy of teaching comes from seeing the child
first; learning who they are, how they perceive the world, and how
they can best manifest their own talents and skills,” she said. “I
know that my role is to facilitate that effort by giving them
encouragement, resources, and an environment where they can stretch,
learn, and grow, while making mistakes along the way. It is also an
environment where the joy of learning is truly exciting, and love and
laughter abound.”
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