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At Valley View Elementary in Bradley County, Barbara Edwards takes a special joy in watching her kids blossom.
Her colleagues say they could use a few carbon copies, She's this week's Golden Apple Award winner.
Not everyone gets to spend all day with 19 inquisitive kindergarteners. Barbara Edwards does and she says it's the highlight of her teaching career.
"(Barbara Edwards - Valley View Elementary Kindergarten Teacher) I love it. This is where I will retire."
The 14 year veteran teacher never wanted to teach kindergarten, but she filled in on an interim basis and she was hooked.
"(Edwards) I think you take different detours in your life, and I finally got to the place I'm supposed to be."
Today the kids are in computer lab, playing with software that allows them work at their own pace. Some are right where you expect them to be, some are working at a 3rd grade level. That's part of what Ms. Edwards loves about teaching this age, watching their understanding unfold.
"(Edwards) It's the beginning of their success story."
That enthusiasm hasn't gone unnoticed...
"(Mary Harris - Letter) We need more teachers like Mrs. Edwards. She is one of a kind."
Mary Harris works with Ms. Edwards at Valley View Elementary and at the YMCA's after school program. She says the teacher goes out of her way to be kind to her kids and everyone she comes in contact with.
"(Harris) I've never seen her lose her patience. I've never seen her get upset."
Edwards doesn't see it like that. She says the organized chaos is fun. She loves watching her kids grow as they move up the ranks at Valley View, and she says the real joy is watching them excel...
"(Edwards) That's what you're looking for is for them to be successful."
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