Beechwood Elementary principal Tamikia Billings said Angela Coleman is one of the best teachers she’s ever seen, and she’s not the only one who seems to think so.

Coleman, a fifth grade teacher, was named elementary educator of the year by the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce after being selected by a panel of retired educators. She received a $1,000 award donated by Ameristar Casino Wednesday at the Chamber Luncheon.

“I just think her genuine love for what she does and her passion for teaching and learning exuded everywhere,” Billings said. “People can really see that and they can sense that.”

Coleman, in her third year of teaching, said she did not expect to win.

“When you work amongst all of those other nominees — they’re really all great teachers — it was kind of unexpected,” she said. “When they called my name I was a little shocked.”

Coleman said it was an honor just to have been selected to represent Beechwood Elementary by her peers.

“I think other people can recognize my heart is in it,” she said. “I’m definitely not teaching for the payday. I’m really committed to it because I really want these kids to do well, and I want them to go further.”

Coleman teaches fifth grade science and social studies, and she said she plans to use some of her award money to reward her students for doing such a good job.

Judges coordinator Debbie Freeman said though Coleman is still a rookie, she stood out.

“She loves her kids,” she said. “When she came in she said, ‘I miss my kids. I’m supposed to be in the classroom right now.’”

Freeman added she’s also very knowledgeable of her subject matter.

“We were impressed by how structured she is in the classroom,” she said. “It shows and it carries over into her everyday life. I would pay to have her teach my children.”

Something that really impressed the judges was how committed Coleman was to building relationships.

“She understands the importance of building relationships with her parents as well as her kids,” she said. “She understands that parents are an integral part of the learning process in children, and she understands the importance of getting the parent, teacher and child on the same team.”

Billings agreed and added, “When I think of Ms. Coleman, I think of this quote, ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” she said. “I think she really goes above and beyond and the other teachers see that, and she really works hard to build relationships with kids along with providing quality instruction to the kids.”

Billings said the whole Beechwood family is proud to see Coleman get some well-deserved recognition.

“It was one of the best moments I’ve had since I’ve been at Beechwood,” she said. “We’re overjoyed by the opportunity that she had and the opportunity we have to represent Vicksburg.”

First runner up was awarded to Kiresten Walker, a fifth grade teacher at Vicksburg Intermediate School. A last-minute anonymous donor made it possible for the Chamber of Commerce to award $500 to the first runners up in the competition.