Dalton Public Schools proudly announces Ward Satterfield as City Park School's Teacher of the Year. Satterfield, a dedicated music teacher, has been instrumental in fostering a love for music among his students and elevating their musical literacy and performance skills.
Satterfield’s journey into education has been unique and impactful. “My educational path has been non-traditional as I started teaching in a public elementary school four years ago,” said Satterfield. While studying at the University of Georgia, he directed choirs in churches, which shaped the early part of his career. For over 30 years, he taught music and led worship in churches until the COVID-19 pandemic altered his professional path. In August 2020, Satterfield began teaching at City Park, a role that has reignited his passion for teaching children.
“I have always loved working with children, and I love teaching music to students of all ages,” shared Satterfield. “Teaching at City Park renewed my love of teaching young children to love music and begin their own journey in this art.”
In his time at City Park, Satterfield has introduced piano and ukulele skills to students, taught musical literacy, and built a thriving Glee Club for 4th and 5th graders. “My greatest accomplishment so far is to see the 4th and 5th graders in my Glee Club start out timid and afraid, then shine on the stage performing in front of the school,” he said.
Satterfield’s innovative approach and dedication to his students have resulted in some of the highest levels of musical achievement at City Park. “This year’s 5th graders have the highest scores on reading music on the staff that I have seen,” he noted.
Beyond the classroom, Satterfield is deeply involved in the Dalton community. He is a founding member and board member of Artistic Civic Theatre, a volunteer at ChristChurch Presbyterian, and an annual participant in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“Every kindergartener that comes through my door has the potential to be a musician,” Satterfield explained. “My goal is to have as many 5th graders musically literate as possible by the time they leave elementary school and to enjoy the process of learning and developing new skills.”
DPS congratulates Ward Satterfield on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his passion, creativity, and commitment to inspiring a love of music in the next generation.