A beloved and popular teacher at Smyrna Elementary was recently honored as the Georgia Gifted Teacher of the Year with a ceremony and parade. Classes of cheering children and teachers gathered in the back parking lot of the school in order to surprise Lisa Rogers with the announcement and to show their appreciation for her.
"I was so shocked," Mrs. Rogers said. "This is unbelievable, and it truly moved me to tears."
Local city officials also joined in the festivities and congratulated Mrs. Rogers personally. Smyrna City Administrator Joseph Bennett read the official proclamation at the event. He was joined by Councilman Travis Lindley from Ward 3.
Mrs. Rogers has been teaching in Cobb School District for 20 years and has been at Smyrna Elementary for the last four years.
"I have known Lisa since she first started teaching gifted education," said colleague and friend Valerie King from Kennesaw Elementary. "Immediately, I recognized something special. Her words are intentional, her spirit infectious, and she recognizes the place gifted learners need and creates it for them."
"We are truly lucky to have Lisa as part of our team," agreed Andrew Kutscher, Supervisor of the Advanced Learning program at Cobb. "She brings a positive energy to her work that motivates her students and her colleagues, regardless of the learning environment. She represents Cobb well at her school, throughout the district, and throughout the state."
In her tenure in the Gifted program, Mrs. Rogers has been able to reach and teach the brightest through an intensive talent development program that she created. She averages between a 3% and 6% growth of her gifted population each year by recognizing the needs and talents of the children in her school. She actively involves and acts for the underrepresented populations.
In 2014, Mrs. Rogers won the National Association for Gifted Children’s Javits Frasier Award for Outstanding and Diverse Talent Development. She is an active member of the Georgia Association for Gifted Children’s Coalition for Access and Equity. In addition, she serves as a member of the Cobb County School District Advanced Learning Department advisory council, as well as leading new teachers during the Cobb County School District New Teacher Institute.
Since 2015 Lisa has been a gifted endorsement instructor for the Cobb County School District. She also co-writes a comprehensive affective and cognitive curriculum for the Cobb County School District Summer Enrichment Academy. Whether young learners or adult learners, Lisa is a multi-faceted teacher and leader who believes in impacting others so they can impact the world. In short, Mrs. Rogers consistently practices what she believes in.
"I am so overwhelmed by this outpouring of love," Mrs. Rogers said at the conclusion of the school's celebration of her. "I truly love and care about these children. I sacrifice whatever I have to to make them know how they're important, that they're seen, they're heard, and that they matter to me."
"We are so proud that Lisa Rogers is being recognized as the Gifted Program Teacher of the Year," said Smyrna Elementary principal, Sharon Arduino. "She is a passionate, energetic teacher who loves engaging children in learning."
"She creates a learning environment that is student-centered, discovery-based, and filled with positive energy," Principal Arduino continued appreciatively. "Smyrna Elementary staff, students, and parents are all very thankful for Lisa Rogers."
