Douglas County Educators in Top Ten for AJC Celebrating Teachers Award

Out of 378 nominees across the state, two teachers in Douglas County were selected as top ten candidates for the “Atlanta Journal Constitution Celebrating Teachers Award.” Jill Buchanan, Special Education Teacher at Dorsett Shoals Elementary School, and Butch Soles, Physical Education Teacher at Arbor Station Elementary, were both nominated by parents of their students. Nominations for outstanding teachers who have made a difference in students’ lives were accepted from many different sources and included teachers at all grade levels and various types of schools.

Ms. Buchanan has taught for 24 years in Douglas County, starting as an interrelated special education teacher for eight years before transitioning to a self-contained contained classroom teaching students with moderate intellectual disabilities. She has been teaching at Dorsett Shoals Elementary for 22 years.

“Working with students with special needs is not only my chosen career, but it is also my calling,” said Ms. Buchanan. “I love working closely with my students’ families and seeing the progress each student makes in my classroom. It is an honor to work with my students each day and a blessing to be a part of their lives.”

“This is an amazing recognition for Ms. Buchanan, as she certainly deserves it,” said Dorsett Shoals Elementary Principal Cher Algarin. “I am so excited that she was nominated, but even more excited that she was nominated by one of our parents.”

Coach Soles is currently in his 23^rd year of teaching Physical Education at Arbor Station Elementary School in the Douglas County School System. His entire teaching career has been at Arbor Station Elementary.

“I believe Physical Education is a class where students can learn many life-long skills.  In my classroom, I provide an atmosphere where students are welcomed, inspired, and respected,” said Coach Soles. “My students learn that it is okay not to be the best at all times, but that they need to give their best effort at all times. A child’s self-esteem is the most important characteristic that I can help mold. When a child has self-confidence, he or she is willing to try and accomplish almost any task.”

“Coach Soles is an amazing educator. He is a role model for students, said Melissa Joe, principal of Arbor Station Elementary. “He is creative, innovative and dedicated. He is a positive influence not just in his gym but in the entire school. It has been an honor working with him for the past 14 years. I believe he is very deserving of this award, but I am a little biased.”

Ms. Buchanan and Coach Soles were honored at a reception at the Cox Corporate Building in Dunwoody on October 25 and featured in a special print section of the AJC on October 29.