Jen Sweigart, a third-grade teacher at Hillside Elementary School, has been named Northeast Learning Community Teacher of the Year by the Fulton County School District (FCS). Every year, each school in Fulton County nominates one outstanding educator based on input from students, parents and staff. Then, these teachers are evaluated by FCS through classroom visits and interviews. One finalist is announced from each of FCS' geographic learning communities: Northeast, Northwest, Central and South.

"We are so proud of Sweigart, but we're not surprised that she was chosen," said Principal Maisha Otway. "Her excellence as a teacher and commitment to her students, their parents and her colleagues inspire us all to greater heights."

Sweigart joined the faculty of Hillside Elementary in 2009. She has taught third and fourth grade, as well as Early Intervention Program reading and math classes that span kindergarten through fifth grade. She said she strives to promote an atmosphere of creativity, respect, balance and community in her classroom. "I value cooperation and collaboration among the students, as well as in my relationships with parents and colleagues. At the same time, I value individual achievement attained through high expectations and perseverance. I believe that teaching blesses us with the privilege of growing the next generation of leaders."

Sweigart will be honored by Fulton County Schools during a special gala in the fall.