Elizabeth Smart Visits Dothan

Dothan City School employees attended their annual Teacher Institute today and thanks to a very special guest it was more than your average professional development event.
The Teacher Institute is a professional development workshop that takes place across the state to prepare teachers as they go back to school.

Teachers walked away prepared, but more importantly they left inspired after hearing from today's keynote speaker, Elizabeth Smart.
Her inspiring story is well known to all, but to have her here in Dothan brings a wealth of emotions for teachers.

 Amory Atwell from Honeysuckle Middle School said, it was surreal hearing her story.
"It's a real person, it's not some just story on the news. It actually puts a little bit more meaning behind it."

A real person with a real story that blesses anyone who listens, but Smart says she's the one who is blessed.
"There are so many people who do make such a difference and I've been given so much. If I can give a little bit back then that's what I want to do."

Giving back is exactly what she did today and teachers are now ready to carry the message on as they head back to school.