Kim Burgess is being recognized for putting everything she has into her job as an engineering and technology teacher at Callaway Middle School.

Burgess, who recently was named middle school teacher of the year for Troup County school system, also has been recognized by the Georgia chapter of the International Technology Education Association. The group selected Burgess to receive the ITEA Middle School Engineering and Technology Teacher Excellence Award.

The award is one of the highest honors given to teachers in the field and is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession and students. Among the selection criteria are exemplary teaching characteristics, professional growth in the technology and engineering fields, the ability to engage students in a hands-on approach to learning about technology, and an understanding of the relationships between technology and other areas of study in school.

“The engineering and technology program at Callaway Middle School provides students with the opportunity to work independently of teacher-led instruction,” Burgess said. “The use of problem solving and critical thinking skills prepares them to succeed in today’s competitive work environment.”

This is not the first time Callaway Middle School has received recognition from the ITEA. In 2006, the school’s engineering and technology department won the Program Excellence Award. Burgess was a key member of the faculty earning the award.

“Kim Burgess is an extraordinary educator,” said Tina Johnson, principal of Callaway Middle School. “The technology and engineering program that she has developed is exemplary. She is dedicated to providing opportunities to students that allow them to see many facets of the curriculum which are so vital in the twenty-first century workplace.”

Burgess will be honored at the Troup County Teacher of the Year reception in Mid-March, then a few days later, she will be recognized for her accomplishments at the ITEA annual conference in Charlotte, N.C.