The Newton County School System and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the nominees for the 2009 Newton County Teacher of the Year. Each of the 21 nominees was elected as the 2009 Teacher of the Year at his or her school.
This year's nominees were required to submit essay answers on a number of questions concerning their educational background, philosophy and style of teaching. On Oct. 21-22, each teacher will sit for a 20 minute interview to be conducted by a panel of volunteer judges representing Newton County schools, the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and civic organizations.
Once scores from the essays and interviews are tallied, the names of the top three finalists (the teachers with the three highest combined scores) will be announced Oct. 24. On Oct. 28 the Teacher of the Year selection committee will observe each of the three finalists in his or her classroom. The teacher with the highest combined score on the essay, interview and observation will be announced as the 2009 Teacher of the Year during a special ceremony at 4:45 p.m. Nov. 6 at Newton High School.
The Newton County School System congratulated each of the Teachers of the Year saying they are all worthy of this special honor. As such, all 21 will be recognized at the reception at NHS with the two runners-up each receiving a crystal vase. The 2009 Teacher of the Year will also receive a crystal vase, three months free car rental from Covington Ford, a Teacher of the Year ring from Herrf-Jones and a check for $1,000. In addition, this year's winner will also represent Newton County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.
The following is a list of Teachers of the Year and their schools: Karen Dozier, East Newton Elementary; Gaile Stephens, Fairview Elementary; Rhonda Mullinax, Ficquett Elementary; Sandi Newsham, Heard-Mixon Elementary; Patricia Almand, Livingston Elementary; Alicia Stewart, Mansfield Elementary; Gladys Knepper, Middle Ridge Elementary; Jane Shytle, Oak Hill Elementary; Nancy Costley, Palmer-Stone Elementary; Marcie Williams, Porterdale Elementary; Arlene Hyman, Rocky Plains Elementary; Julie Matthews, South Salem Elementary; Billie Roberts, West Newton Elementary; Kandice Thomas-Crockett, Clements Middle; Christine Kraemer, Cousins Middle; Vita Reed, Indian Creek Middle; Lynn House, Veterans Memorial Middle; Adam Phyall, Alcovy High; Bart Buff, Eastside; Adrienne Boisson, Newton High and Nikiya Webb, Sharp Learning Center.
