"My most memorable teaching moment was at The HOPE Academy, working with a 9th-grade student who had never passed a test. After constant clashes, I made a deal with him: if he tried his best and failed, I’d stop pushing him. He earned a B and transformed overnight—engaged, polite, and motivated. Calling his
mom to celebrate his success reinforced the power of positive reinforcement and grace. This moment taught
me that confidence can spark change, and meaningful relationships, built on trust and encouragement, can unlock potential in students who might otherwise feel destined to fail."
TCSS Teacher of the Year
Quinshada Simpson - Ethel Kight Elementary School
2024 - 2025 Teacher of the Year
Dr. Zelda Kitt - The HOPE Academy
2023 - 2024 Teacher of the Year
Dr. Linda Wood - Troup County High School
2022 - 2023 Teacher of the Year
Hannah Frady - Troup County High School
2021 - 2022 Teacher of the Year
Due to COVID-19 and the changes to the TOTY Program from the Georgia Department of Education we experienced a gap year for 2020-2021 with no teacher of the year competition.
Traveria Sewell - Long Cane Middle School
2019 - 2020 Teacher of the Year
Randy Hardigree - LaGrange High School
2018 - 2019 Teacher of the Year
Kayla Yeargin -Troup County High School
2017 - 2018 Teacher of the Year
2018 - 2019 GADOE State Finalist
Jill Gay - Hollis Hand Elementary School
2016 - 2017 Teacher of the Year
2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Reception Livestream
TOTY Recognition
- Selection of the nominees from each school by their peers
- Nominees submit anonymous written essay applications
- Community and system judges read the anonymous applications
- Three finalists are chosen
- One Elementary
- One Middle and
- One High School Teacher
- Three judges from outside TCSS
- Score written essay applications and resume
- Observe classroom teaching
- Interview finalists
- All nominees are recognized before the TCBOE
- Coke United presents a plaque to each nominee
- Nominees receive a supplement
- Surprise Patrol visits three finalist bringing flowers and gifts
- Board recognition and icebergs presented to finalist
- Reception is hosted for all nominees and finalists
- Three finalists receive an additional supplement
The nominees and finalists are featured throughout the school year through social media, web stories, news articles, videos and their favorite teaching moments.
Archived Teacher of the Year Winners (pre 2016)