For their dedication and service, 10 Oconee County educators have been selected as 2012 Teachers of the Year.
"It is an honor to recognize the Teachers of the Year who represent the best in our profession," Superintendent John Jackson said. "Their work is at the heart and mission of our school district."
Teachers have to be skilled in order to balance many factors inside and outside of the classroom as they work with parents to help students achieve, Jackson said.
A list of nominees was voted on by peers and one teacher from each school was selected, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Brook Whitmire explained. Whitmire oversees the local selection process. The Teachers of the Year will be interviewed and their classrooms will be observed this month by members of a committee comprised of last year's award winners that will select the district winner.
"The process is entirely teacher-led and teacher-focused," Whitmire said. "It's a tremendous honor. There are fantastic teachers throughout the district."
On Sept. 29, school-wide winners will be honored at a banquet sponsored by the Oconee County High Schools Alumni Association at the . The system-wide winner will also be named at the reception.
The district Teacher of the Year will advance and compete at the state level, a selection process that spans from December to May, Whitmire said. One deserving educator will ultimately be named the National Teacher of the Year.
The 2012 winners are:
Elementary Schools
Susan Floyd
Amanda Jenkins
Tanya Hinzman
Krystie Hassemer
Cindy McKoy
Jennifer Cannon
Middle Schools
Lauren Mofield
Elyse Daniel
High Schools
Miriam Ledford-Lyle
Paula Whitmire
