6 Semi-Finalists Named For Douglas County Teacher Of Year

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — A list of 34 finalists has now whittled down to six teachers in the running to be crowned Douglas County’s Teacher of the Year. All will be honored and one will receive the new title in a special ceremony September 27 at 4:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Douglasville.

Superintendent Trent North surprised the finalists with a secret unannounced classroom visit last week. "The teachers that have been named semi finalists in the Teacher of the Year Program represent the best in education and the finest in our school system," said North.

"Their passion for inspiring young minds shines through in everything they do. These shining stars bring magic to the classroom and make every lesson come alive. They work every day too keep our students inspired, motivated and ready to pursue academic excellence.

The Douglas County School System is grateful for the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice they demonstrate in the classroom. "

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The semifinalists for teacher of the year are Alex Gibson, Eastside Elementary School; Brittania Wright, New Manchester Elementary School; Zanita Hartzog, Turner Middle School; Angela Wiggins, Fairplay Middle School; Ted McMurtrie, Chapel Hill Middle School and Adrienne Petit, New Manchester High School.

Each school nominated an individual Teacher of the Year. Six semi-finalists have been selected from the field based on the strength of their personal applications and three recommendations. All 34 submissions were judged blindly by a panel of statewide evaluators.

After scoring is calculated, the top six scorers (two from each grade level) are observed and evaluated in a classroom setting and interviewed by community leaders and previous Teacher of the Year winners. The winner will advance to compete for the title of Georgia’s Teacher of the Year.

Photos courtesy Douglas County School System