Some career paths take years to discover. For Monica Gassman, the decision was made long before college applications, student teaching, or her first classroom. As an elementary student, she was the child asking her teacher for extra worksheets to take home. Back at home, those worksheets became lesson plans as she spent hours teaching her stuffed animals. Even then, she knew exactly where she belonged.

More than twenty years later, that same excitement for learning still shows. This fall, Monica begins her twenty-first year in education, but instead of standing in front of just one classroom, she now has the opportunity to impact an entire school. As the Media Specialist at Gum Springs Elementary, she works with every student from Pre-K through fifth grade, helping foster a love of reading while encouraging creativity and curiosity through technology.

Monica's journey in education has been anything but one-dimensional. After earning her undergraduate degree from Berry College and her master's degree from Kennesaw State University, she spent fourteen years teaching first, second, and third grade before stepping into the role of Instructional Technology Coach during one of the most challenging seasons in education. Helping teachers embrace technology during the height of the pandemic strengthened her passion for finding creative ways to engage students, and it naturally led her to the media center, where she has spent the last three years.

Her days rarely look the same, and that is exactly what she loves. One moment she may be reading picture books with kindergartners, and the next she is helping older students bring classroom projects to life through technology. She also organizes the school's annual Technology Competition and co-sponsors the Tech Club, giving students opportunities to discover new interests and develop skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Although her career revolves around books, Monica admits that math has always been her favorite subject. She loves the problem-solving and real-world connections it offers. Reading, however, is a close second. There is something special about helping a young reader discover a favorite book or hearing older students eagerly recommend what they are reading next.

Her dedication to education has earned well-deserved recognition. Monica was named Teacher of the Year during the 2020–2021 school year and recently presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta. Sharing ideas with fellow educators is something she genuinely enjoys, and she hopes to return as a presenter again this year.

Throughout her career, Monica has been fortunate to learn from leaders who believed in her. She credits former principal Mike Bender as one of the greatest influences on her career. His encouragement helped shape her confidence as both an educator and a leader, and his example continues to inspire the way she supports others today.

If there is one lesson Monica hopes new teachers will learn early, it is the importance of balance. Teaching is a profession that can easily follow you home, and there is always something more that could be done. She believes setting healthy boundaries allows educators to care for themselves so they can continue showing up as their best for their students.

Education is truly a family affair in the Gassman household. Monica and her husband, Jim, have been married for seventeen years. Jim serves as the head boys wrestling coach at Jackson County High School and will begin his twenty-fifth season this fall. Together, they are raising two daughters who keep life busy in the best way. Hannah enjoys tennis for West Jackson Middle School and the Traditions Alta team, while Elizabeth plays soccer for Alliance Soccer Club. Their thirteen-year-old shepherd-spaniel mix, Molly, happily rounds out the family.

Over the past three years, the Gassmans have enjoyed the unique experience of living and working in the same community. Running into students and their families at the neighborhood pool, local events, or the grocery store has created connections that extend far beyond the school day. Those everyday encounters remind Monica that teaching is about building relationships just as much as it is about academics.

When school is out, family time takes center stage. Their first Royal Caribbean cruise this summer was such a hit that everyone is already looking forward to planning the next one. Someday, Monica hopes that adventure will include a dream trip to Hawaii.

Looking back, it is hard to imagine Monica doing anything other than teaching. The little girl who once lined up stuffed animals for lessons has grown into an educator who now encourages hundreds of students to stay curious, think creatively, and love learning. More than two decades into her career, she still brings that same enthusiasm to school each morning—and it is a gift to every child who walks through the doors of Gum Springs Elementary.