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Supporting the needs of teachers and students in the Georgia public school system.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Keisha Ford-Jenrette
Recognitions Coordinator
 404-657-2949
 kford@doe.k12.ga.us

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Georgia Teacher of the Year Program

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. Applications for the 2013 Georgia TOTY are due on Friday, December 2, 2011. The 2013 TOTY will be announced at the TOTY Banquet in May 2012.

Follow the Georgia Teacher of the Year on

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 2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year will be announced at the state banquet in the May 2012.

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

2011-2012
May 2013 Application Available
December 2 Application Deadline
February Ten finalists announced
March Interviews and video evaluations with the finalists are conducted by a panel of judges.
TBD Luncheon for finalists (Atlanta)
May GTOTY Banquet
July 1 2013 GTOTY term of service begins



View photos from the Georgia Teacher of the Year Banquet here: http://gadoe.shutterfly.com/4650

The Georgia Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by:

2012 TOTY Contact
Jadun McCarthy
2012 Teacher of the Year

 404-323-4102
 jmccarthy@doe.k12.ga.us

Appearance Request

TOTY Media
Jadun McCarthy's Picture
Why I Teach Video
2012 TOTY Banquet Photos
CBS-The Early Show

TOTY DOWNLOADS
2013 GTOTY Application Packet
2012 Teacher of the Year Jadun McCarthy
Former Georgia Teachers of the Year
TOTY Brochure

TOTY Pictures
2012 TOTY
2011 TOTY
2010 TOTY