Even though Becky Benefield didn’t have an affinity for school during her student years, her mother’s steadfast support and belief in her eventually led her to discover her true passion — teaching.

Benefield received the top honor as the Carrollton City Schools district Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024. The Carrollton High School teacher was recognized along with three other teachers Kristina Bivins, Christine Carter, and Timothy Brodeur, Teachers of the Year at Carrollton Elementary, Carrollton Middle and Carrollton High School, respectively, at the Oct. 3 Carrollton Board of Education monthly meeting. Benefield, clearly surprised by her selection, was almost speechless. In short remarks, she concluded, “I love Carrollton City Schools and am so thankful for all it has done for me.”

Each school announced its representative to serve this year last spring. From that pool of candidates, a district team studied applications and observed the teachers in the classroom to select the District Teacher of the Year.

“All of these teachers are talented educators and we are fortunate they are part of our team,” said Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent. “But we can only select one at the district level. Ms. Benefield will represent Carrollton City Schools very well.” 

Dr. Albertus also noted the generosity of community sponsors that allowed each teacher to receive a monetary award. Sponsors were Carrollton Office Equipment, West Georgia Cornhole, and Smith, Wallis, and Scott Law Firm. 

“Our community sponsors allow us to make this event even more special,” said Dr. Albertus. “We appreciate their commitment to our school system and supporting our teachers in this way.”

Benefield said when she thinks back on her educational experience, she recalls how her teachers made her feel.

“The teachers and coaches who invested in, built relationships with, and encouraged me are the ones that I remember the most,” she said. “I knew the second I walked into my student teaching that that was the type of teacher I would be. I wanted to teach kids, not just content. I wanted to be the person who believed in a child and helped them see how truly wonderful they are — even if they didn’t see it for themselves quite yet.”

CHS Principal Ian Lyle expressed his gratitude for Benefield when he introduced her at the meeting.

“Ms. Benefield has positively impacted the lives of countless students and teachers, and is held in high esteem by the faculty and student body at CHS,” said Lyle. “We are thankful for her, are proud of her, and love her.”

CUTLINE: The Carrollton City Schools Board of Education recognized the system’s Teachers of the Year at the Oct. 3 board meeting. Becky Benefield was selected as the system Teacher of the Year. Pictured top row from left are sponsors Ashley Underwood (Carrollton Office Equipment), Chris Scott (Smith, Wallis, and Scott Law Firm), and Jenny Greba (West Georgia Cornhole). Pictured bottom row from left are CMS Teacher of the Year Timothy Brodeur; CES Teacher of the Year Kristina Bivins; CHS/CCS Teacher of the Year Becky Benefield; and CUES Teacher of the Year Christine Carter.