India Bennett: Ms. India Bennett currently serves as a fifth-grade educator at W.L. Swain Elementary. Bennett is currently in her nineteenth year of teaching, eleven of which have been spent with Gordon County Schools.

Bennett, known for being a dedicated teacher, is impassioned about the opportunity each day brings to instill a love of learning in her students. “This is a profession of the heart. There are long hours of preparing lessons, but all that hard work will shine when your students grow,” said Bennett.

Bennett discovered her love of teaching when she was in high school. “I found a love for working with students. I was placed in a class called early childhood growth and development, which was also the daycare at Gordon Central High School. After a few weeks of working with the three-year-old students, I knew that I was destined to be a teacher,” said Bennett. “I loved the feeling of watching the lightbulb light up, but most of all, I loved how it felt each day knowing they were excited to be in the class and ready to learn. The students depended on me and looked forward to what each day held for us, and it made my heart smile. From that moment on, there was only one profession for me - teaching.”

Bennett holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree from Kennesaw State University.

Ms. Bennett is married to her husband, Lane. Together, they one daughter, Laney Kate Bennett who is 11. Bennett is extremely thankful for her family, especially her husband, for always supporting her. “I couldn’t do what I love or be the teacher that I am without him.”

Teacher of the Year

2023-24 School-Level Teachers of the Year

Ashworth Middle: Judson Peacock

Belwood Elementary: Brenda Gilmor

Fairmount Elementary: Christy Smith- System Teacher of the Year Winner

Gordon Central High: Neal Crawford

Red Bud Elementary: Brooke Cigainero

Red Bud Middle: Jacqueline Cascio - System Finalist

Sonoraville Elementary: Heidi Murphy

Sonoraville High: Carmelita Everett

Tolbert Elementary: Cathy Musacchio

W.L. Swain Elementary: India Bennett - System Finalist

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