(Macon, GA) The Business Education Partnership (BEP), in conjunction with the Greater Macon Chamber, hosted a welcome reception for Bibb County Schools’ nearly 300 new teachers on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 3 p.m., at Northeast High School’s auditorium (1646 Upper River Road).

The reception celebrated the arrival of Macon-Bibb’s newest teachers and demonstrated the community’s appreciation for their contributions, which will in turn, serve as positive motivation as they begin their new role. Programming included a talk with acclaimed educator, author and leadership speaker Ron Clark, delicious finger foods provided by Vibes and Fall Line Brewery, and ice cream and Coke floats by Coca Cola and Fort Valley State University. Clark is an American educator and reality television personality who founded the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker on the topic of inspiring educators.

“It was our goal to have this program packed with business leaders ready to welcome our newest teachers,” says Jessica Walden, Greater Macon Chamber President and CEO, and co-chair of the BEP. “When our community aims to create and retain top talent for a healthy workforce, there is no better area to focus than our educators. They are our leaders, innovators, change agents and launchpads that help define the trajectories and career pathways our students choose. We want our new teachers to ‘Choose Macon’ – to live here, love here, and feel a sense of connection and purpose here as part of our workforce strategy.”

“To have business and community partners show this level of support for educators is truly an amazing way to kick off our school year and welcome new teachers to Macon-Bibb,” says Dr. Dan A. Sims, Bibb County School District Superintendent and co-chair of the BEP. “As educators, we know the relationships between teachers and students are critical to co-creating an engaging learning environment where students can achieve and be successful. For business and community partners to show up for our new teachers at the beginning of their journey in Bibb to say, ‘We see you and we support you,’ is a powerful message, and it speaks volumes about the relationship between our community and our schools.” 

This program was supported by the 2024 Emerge Grant for Innovative Programs by the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) Emerge Task Force, in partnership with the Georgia Power Company, along with presenting sponsor Wesleyan College and additional local businesses.

Click here to enjoy a look at the photos from the event.