The top five finalists for the Columbia County School District‘s (CCSD) Teacher of the Year award were the focus of Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, each receiving a moment in the spotlight as board members acknowledged their individual impact as educators.
According to Dr. Kellye Bosch, CCSD Associate Superintendent, the annual distinction sets apart “teachers who stand out amongst an already overflowing field of excellent educators.”
Teacher of the Year Candidates
Bosch introduced the prospects for this year’s award, recognizing Rebecca Blumenthal, a Behavior Specialist from Martinez Elementary School, Debra Hunter-Green, a second grade teacher at Martinez Elementary School, Tawana Odom, a ninth grade ELA and multicultural literature teacher at Harlem High School, Kynisha Okonkwo, an eighth grade physical science teacher at Harlem Middle School and Tabitha Purvis, a fifth grade math and science teacher at Euchee Creek Elementary School.
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Blumenthal, notably, is currently serving as the South Columbia Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year from her previous role at there.
Stay tuned for further coverage profiling each of these candidates, offering a glimpse into their professional and personal lives before a winner is chosen.
Selection process
Each school in the CCSD initially selected one teacher representative to run for this honor. After each of these teachers’ applications were reviewed by five external and internal judges, these five teachers received the highest scores. :
The selection process will continue as these finalists are observed teaching in their classrooms and are interviewed by the judges.
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Teacher of the Year banquet
The winner will be announced at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet on Oct. 3.
This teacher will move on to the next stage of competition by entering the running for Georgia Teacher of the Year.
Board member comments
District two board member Kristi Baker addressed the teachers in the room, commending them for their dedication to the role. “It is a beautiful gift that you give of yourself to your students,” she said.
“I think the committee that’s going to pick the teacher of the year has got a tough job ahead of them,” said Vice Chairman David Alalof.
