By: The Rome News-Tribune

Three local educators are candidates in this year’s Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement Hidden Heroes campaign, and voting is underway.

Two teachers from Rome Middle School — Ashley Hamby, an agriculture education teacher, and Haley Hall, exceptional student services lead and department chair — and Becky Bush, director of technology for Northwest Georgia RESA are the local nominees. They join a list of 130 Georgia teachers nominated for the title of Hidden Hero.

Hidden Heroes is a statewide campaign to recognize educators and public school employees for their work. It was created by the GLISI, a nonprofit that aims to uplift school leaders and their schools.

“Teaching is the profession that makes every other profession possible,” CEO and Executive Director Leslie Hazle Bussey said. “Not only is teaching a noble and rewarding way to make a living for a generation seeking purpose and meaning, it’s a role deserving of our collective respect.”

The campaign nominees, submitted in October, could be anyone who works within schools or school systems, such as bus drivers, teachers, administrators, counselors, and more.

Voting started Friday and ends on Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced on Dec. 3. To vote, visit www.HiddenHeroes.GLISI.org.