Henry County Schools Names Six Semifinalists for 2024 Teacher of the Year
HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools recently named six outstanding educators as contenders for the district’s 2024 Teacher of the Year (TOTY) award.
The TOTYs represent the largest celebration of HCS teachers, recognizing their commitment to excellence in education, dedication to student success, and positive impact on their school communities. This year’s invitation-only event will take place Oct. 3, 7 p.m., at the McDonough Performing Arts Center.
Over the past several months, schools across the district selected their Teachers of the Year, and after a rigorous evaluation process, the selection committee narrowed the field of 54 extraordinary educators to the six semifinalists.
The following teachers are in the running to be named finalists at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as the district’s overall Teacher of the Year. Their names and titles are accompanied by testimonials from their school leaders highlighting qualities that inspired their selection.
- Elbretta Carpenter, a cosmetology teacher at the Academy for Advanced Studies
“Ms. Carpenter is one of our distinguished cosmetology trainers and has made great strides in our department. She has been an educator for 17 years and is a teacher leader in many areas. She is a Helping Educators Acquire Resources to Thrive (HEART) mentor for new teachers, Trade and Industrial Educators of Georgia (TIEGA) post-secondary director, Southern Crescent Technical College adjunct instructor, and the McDonough High School dance coordinator.”
- Dr. Adrienne Glass, an English Language Arts teacher at Woodland Middle School
“Dr. Glass embodies dedication and excellence in education. She is a HEART mentor, providing invaluable support and guidance to colleagues and students. She is also the Gifted Education Chair, meeting the unique needs of our gifted students, and she initiates and executes Caring Adult Responding Everyday (CARE) Team events schoolwide, fostering a culture of kindness and inclusion. She is a leader within the school and district, cultivates relationships with students and staff, and creates a nurturing learning environment where every student is empowered to succeed.”
- Sarah Nell Griffis, a math/algebra teacher at Ola Middle School
“Ms. Griffis exemplifies what it means to add value inside and outside the classroom. She hosts early morning support sessions for students, is the connection between Ola Middle School and the Parent Teacher Organization, advocates for and supports student recognition, and leads our student government. Ms. Griffis makes a difference for students and staff in many ways.”
- Christine Jones, a gifted teacher at Impact Academy Elementary
“Ms. Jones has been teaching for 23 years and is the Gifted Education teacher for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students. She encourages her students and strives to ensure their success beyond the classroom.”
- Brandi Neal, a chorus teacher at McDonough High School
“Ms. Neal is an outstanding educator who has positively contributed to education and secondary music programs, significantly impacting our school’s culture in many ways. She is the Fine Arts Department Chair and provides superb leadership and collaboration within her department. Her chorale has received multiple awards and ratings from renowned local and national organizations. She strives to provide exceptional experiences for her students, who have received invitations to perform at notable events and institutions, including Carnegie Hall. Ms. Neal is highly revered within the MHS community.”
- Bonita Stewart, a physical education teacher at Mt. Carmel Elementary
“Ms. Stewart’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to shaping young minds for 20 years truly sets her apart. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, inspiring students to reach their full potential. We appreciate her tireless efforts and exemplary service as an educator. She is a true inspiration to us all.”
“These educators exemplify the high standards and dedication we value in Henry County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Their passion for teaching and commitment to their students is inspirational. I applaud their dedication to creating positive learning environments and the profound ways they impact the lives of every child, every day.”
“We have the best educators at Henry County Schools,” said Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “Our teachers embody the spirit of excellence that enables us to provide a high-quality, world-class education for every student. This annual Teacher of the Year event is as much a celebration of the overall winner as it is of each and every one of our hardworking teachers. Congratulations to them all!”
The district will name three finalists, including the HCS 2024 Teacher of the Year, in a special ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 3. Special guests and sponsors will join the Board of Education and other district staff in honoring these exceptional teachers.
About Henry County Schools
Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 53 schools and located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past two decades, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.
HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.
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