They build the future, one small piece at a time.

Yet they are not architects, engineers or high-tech wizards designing the world's next great breakthroughs in science, medicine or the arts.

But they teach those who will be.

The teachers in the Gainesville and Hall County school systems do their part to ensure that our future will be made brighter and better by the growing young minds that fill their classrooms.

Today we honor the Teachers of the Year, the top instructors from eight city and 33 county schools, led by their respective system winners: Judy Bowers of Gainesville's Centennial Arts Academy and Belinda Sauret of West Hall High School.