Meet a 2023 School Teacher of the Year: Jill Dittus of Arnold Mill ES!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2023 Arnold Mill Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jill Dittus!

Jill Dittus early on knew her calling was teaching.  Halfway through her 28-year career, teaching led to her second calling: serving as a foster parent.

One of her own students inspired her to take on this additional role to support her community’s children.

“One day, the kids in my kindergarten class we’re talking about what they wanted.  One of the boys mentioned what he wanted was a real mom and dad.  His comments broke my heart and started me on my journey into foster care,” said Ms. Dittus, whose colleagues honored her as their 2023 Teacher of the Year.  “Being a foster mom is hard.  Being a teacher is hard.  But I can honestly say that both have made me a better, more compassionate and patient person.”

Her principal and colleagues praise Ms. Dittus for the great care and patience she shows to all.  Her current role as a Special Education co-teacher often puts her in classrooms with students struggling to overcome academic and behavior challenges.

“Ms. Dittus continues to teach and meet the needs of all her students” as they work together through these challenges, Principal Daniel Fuller said.  “She continues to teach with grace, effectiveness, caring, love and support with never a complaint.  She is highly respected and admired by all teachers and staff at Arnold Mill.  She builds strong relationships and high levels of trust with her students every year and becomes involved in her students’ lives and families.”

In her own words: “I want my students to walk into my room each morning laughing, smiling and excited to learn.  It is my role as a teacher to create that positive school culture.”

Special thanks to our 2023 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration's Presenting Sponsors: Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Credit Union of Georgia, Northside Hospital Cherokee and Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Canton.

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