MARIETTA - Two of the best local educators were honored Wednesday morning at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's annual Teacher of the Year handprint unveiling ceremony on the Marietta Square.

Allatoona High School special education teacher Kelly Bramblett and Marietta High School math teacher Marie Sherbondy were selected earlier by their school districts as 2009's top teachers.

About a month ago, the teachers made marble molds of their hands, which were later placed and covered on the sidewalk outside of the west side of Glover Park. The handprints, which lay among handprints of previous teachers of the year, were unveiled after the two received standing ovations inside the Earl Smith Strand Theatre.

"There is no factor more important for economic growth than educational achievement, and we certainly have that here in Marietta and Cobb," Chamber First Vice Chairman Rob Garcia said to an audience filled with students, parents, chamber members and school officials.

Sherbondy took the podium after a joyous display of support from her students, who were carrying signs made for their teacher.

She said she had been at Marietta High for nine years, the longest she's ever taught at a school.

"My parents were not able to be here, but with every endeavor, I had their full support. I'm keenly aware that not every student has that support system, and I've always wanted them to know I'll be that support system if they need me," Sherbondy said.

Addressing her students, Sherbondy said, "I've completely enjoyed going to your plays, games, concerts, art gallery shows. You have amazing futures and I can't wait to see how they unfold. Thank you for the privilege of teaching you."

Marietta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Emily Lembeck said Sherbondy was not only a wonderful teacher to her students but also an inspiring colleague to her fellow teachers.

"If I had to speak about her as a math teacher in an equation, I would say that Sherbondy plus students equals success. She's wonderful," Lembeck said.

Cobb County Schools District Superintendent Fred Sanderson introduced Bramblett, recognizing the special education teacher for encouraging her students to become independent members of society.

"Thank you for being a teacher who pushes and tugs, and for teaching these kids that they can make their dreams a reality," Sanderson said.

Bramblett also received a standing ovation while taking the stage, and the Allatoona High teacher quickly became emotional when speaking about what she and all special education teachers in the Cobb district do for their students.

"It's a rewarding job, but it can also be very challenging," Bramblett said. "I am very happy to be teaching in a public school. I love it. People with different abilities, religions and economic backgrounds all come together. So much of learning is not the subjects, but being exposed to and getting along with people who are different from you in the world."

Bramblett also thanked the system for choosing a special education teacher to represent the county.

"There are so many special education teachers who do so much more than you think," she said, through tears. "They're teaching real life and socials skills, while also teaching subjects. They're teaching non-verbal kids how to communicate. They never get a planning period because they're feeding students everyday or helping a student get to the bus because he can't walk. They're communicating with parents when their kids can't. They're coordinating schedules for therapies. I just want to thank you for giving me the chance to work in a public school system that values every student."

Lisa Crossman, chamber education chairwoman, said, "We honor these teachers every year because of our passion, appreciation and commitment to their success and the success of our students. Cobb is the only chamber I know of in the nation with a permanent Teacher of the Year honor with the walk of honor on the (Marietta) Square. This will remind citizens for years and years of the pride we have in our teachers."