09/25/2026
So proud of our TOTY, Mrs. Brink!
Continuing our 2026-27 school-level Teacher/Support Professional of the Year spotlights tonight with a look at the Barrow Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Abby Brink!
Ms. Brink completed her student teaching at Whit Davis Elementary and is now in her 20th year full-time with CCSD, all at Barrow, where she spent her first two years as a fifth-grade teacher and has taught the rest in second grade, “which I absolutely love!”
Ms. Brink’s original career aspiration was to become a therapist and provide counseling services to families. That led to a foray into social work, and eventually the realization that she wanted to work with children. A stint as a substitute teacher ultimately resulted in her pursuit of a master’s degree and teaching certification. She credits her grandmother, Marjorie Pochert, a former elementary school librarian, and her mother-in-law, JoAnne Brink, a retired second-grade teacher, for inspiring and supporting her decision to become an educator. She also continues to draw inspiration from two of her favorite elementary school teachers, Cathy Bowman, whom she had in second and fifth grades, and her third-grade teacher, Jeannie Zuchnik.
“For me, and I’m sure this is true for so many teachers, the best part of teaching is witnessing children learning and growing in their confidence and their abilities,” says Ms. Brink. “When a student finally understands something they have been struggling with, when that ‘lightbulb moment’ happens, it’s the most amazing thing to experience. I have also been incredibly fortunate to work with a compassionate, intelligent, and devoted school staff my entire career. My second-grade team is so supportive, dedicated, and fun. I have had the privilege of working with just the absolute best co-teacher, Mrs. Carri McNeill, for the past four years. Even the challenging days are so much better because of our partnership. The educators I’ve had the privilege and honor of working with have all impacted my teaching in immeasurable ways.
“I am so appreciative of my family and their support over the years. My husband, Ryan, and I raised our two daughters, Jensen and Linden, in CCSD. We’re so proud of the incredible women they’ve become.”
A fun fact about Ms. Brink, she says, is that she has had several unusual and unique school mascots in her lifetime, such as being a Midland Chemic, a Hope College Flying Dutchman, and now a Barrow Buddy.
Please join us in congratulating Abby Brink, Teacher of the Year! And check back tomorrow (Friday) for our next round of TOTY-SPOTY spotlights!
