As they busily prepare for the start of the school year on Monday, teachers and administrators took a break Friday to enjoy a

Brown Bag Luncheon at the Coosa Country Club.

The event was hosted by the Northwest Georgia Credit Union and featured guest speak-

er Dexter Mills of the Northwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA).

Mills said that in his experience he has seen three different types of education. The first is education of the books, which is what most people obtain. Second is education of experiences.

“The experiences we have sometimes help us develop courage to do things we didn’t think we could do,” said Mills.

The third is education of the people, which he said often challenges us to change how we think about things.

Mills compared teaching students to the characters of the Wizard of Oz.

The scarecrow needed a brain and needed someone to nurture him.

“A kid can learn anything you want to teach them. The question is not, ‘Can we do it?’ but, ‘Are we committed to doing it?’” said Mills.

The cowardly lion, Mills said, represents having the courage to stand up for kids. He said the tin man represents that teaching can’t be done without heart.

“It’s incredible the difference one person can make in the life of a kid,” said Mills. “There’s a story in every stranger. You may be the best thing they’ve had all day or maybe all year.”

Mills said teaching is the “most powerful profession in the world.”

For Anna D’Herde, this school year will be her first time teaching. D’Herde is a second grade teacher at West End Elementary School.

When asked if she is scared, she said, “Well, yes, a little. But I’m excited. I’ve been meeting a lot with my mentor teacher, getting familiar with all our programs and setting up my room.”

West End Principal Buffi Murphy said the best part of being an educator is “being around kids all day.”

When classes start

Monday — Rome, Floyd County schools

Aug. 7 — Berry Elementary/Middle

Aug. 10 — GSD, St. Mary’s

Aug 13 — Unity Christian; Montessori School of Rome (new students)

Aug. 14 — Montessori School of Rome (returning students)

Aug. 17 — Darlington School