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 Georgia Teacher of the Year Program


Applications for the 2014 Georgia TOTY are due on Friday, November 30, 2012. The 2014 TOTY will be announced at the TOTY Banquet in May 2013.

Now Available:2014 GTOTY Application Packet.doc
 
Georgia's Teacher of the Year Program (GTOTY) annually spotlights the teaching profession and recognizes outstanding public school teachers at the local and state levels. The program is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education. It is a prestigious awards program to focus attention on excellence in teaching. The first Georgia Teacher of the Year was selected in 1971. Follow the Georgia Teacher of the Year on Facebook.
 
Qualifications
The candidate for Teacher of the Year should be:
  • A certified classroom teacher (clear and renewable certificate) in public prekindergarten through grade 12, including special education, physical education, art, music, and media specialists. (Counselors are not eligible.)
  • An exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher who is planning to continue in active teaching status.
  • A teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn.
  • A teacher who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.
  • A teacher who plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school.
  • A teacher who is poised and articulate and possesses the energy to withstand a taxing schedule.
Selection Process for GTOTY
Each system nominee submits an application packet that is based on the National Teacher of the Year Program application. Applications are judged on all items on the entry form, and ten finalists are selected. Interviews and video evaluations with the finalists are conducted by a panel of judges. Finalists also prepare a speech at a luncheon in the spring. The 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year will be announced at the state banquet in the May 2013.
The Georgia Teacher of the Year, an educational ambassador for the Georgia Public School System, acts as a representative for all Georgia public school teachers and as an advocate for the school systems, its students, and its teachers. The Georgia TOTY's numerous engagements usually include recognition before the Georgia House and Senate during the session of the General Assembly. The GTOTY typically takes a one-year sabbatical working directly with the Georgia Department of Education. During this time he or she speaks to various groups throughout the state. This teacher representative also conducts staff development activities for other teachers in his or her area of expertise; serves on statewide committees; and attends and participates in numerous state conferences.
 
Timeline
 
2012-2013
May 2014 Application Available
November 30 Application Deadline
March Ten finalists announced
March Interviews and video evaluations with the finalists are conducted by a panel of judges.
April Luncheon for finalists (Atlanta)
May 3                               
GTOTY Banquet
July 1 2014 GTOTY term of service begins
 


The Georgia Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by:

 
 

 Contact Information

 

Keisha Ford-Jenrette
Program Manager
kford@doe.k12.ga.us
2062 Twin Towers East
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Tel (404) 657-2949

 

 

Lauren Eckman

2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year | Bio​

LEckman@doe.k12.ga.us

 

 

 Links