With congratulations, the Columbia County School District recently announced the top five finalists for the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year.
Each year, the county honors teachers who stand out amongst an abundance of educators, and this year’s finalists include: Brook Andrews, Allison Dixon, Crystal McDowell, Cassandra Rodriguez and Jennifer Roper.
Following a rigorous selection process that includes internal and external judges, contestants are selected in the spring season during the previous school year by peers from respective schools. Throughout the next month, finalists will undergo additional evaluations which will result in the selection of the Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year.
Andrews teaches sixth grade Earth science and eighth grade Georgia history at Stallings Island Middle School, and has been an educator for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in middle grades education from the University of Georgia, and later earned an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Augusta State University.
Dixon, who teaches English language arts and social studies at Greenbrier Elementary School, has spent half of her life and the entirety of her career teaching children in Columbia County. She earned her Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Augusta University, and her Master of Education in foundations of education from Troy State University.
McDowell, from Greenbrier High School, currently teaches advanced placement biology, biology and human anatomy & physiology; she also hopes to potentially lead a course on genetics next year. McDowell earned a Bachelor of Science in science education from North Carolina State University, and her master’s and educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Missouri Baptist University. She also serves as Greenbrier’s Science Department Chair for three years.
Rodriguez teaches early childhood education and teaching as a professional pathway at Evans High School, and believes in making connections with students to promote quality education experiences. She graduated University of West Florida and has recently collaborated with peers to start “Knights Unite,” an organization based on the Georgia Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program.
Roper currently teaches social studies at River Ridge Elementary, and was born and raised in Augusta. After graduating from Lakeside High School and Georgia Southern University, she was honored with the Sallie Mae Award for exhibiting outstanding teaching during her first year on the job. Roper is also a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, and has served on numerous committees, such as the Leadership team, the Hospitality committee, and has mentored many apprentice teachers throughout her career.
The finalists will be recognized by the Columbia County Board of Education in their next regular session on Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
The selected winner of the teacher award will be announced at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet, and will go on to represent the district at the state level.
