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TCSS Teacher of the Year

The 2025-2026 System Teacher of the Year winner is Aidan Blackwell. Blackwell teaches 11th & 12th grade IB History of Americas and 11th & 12th grade AP History at LaGrange High School. Congratulations! 
 

 

He shared with us one of his favorite teaching moments:

"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."

Quinshada Simpson - Ethel Kight Elementary School
2024 - 2025 Teacher of the Year


Dr. Zelda Kitt - The HOPE Academy
2023 - 2024 Teacher of the Year

Layna Kemp - Long Cane Elementary (resigned from position)
2023 - 2024 Teacher of the Year

 

Dr. Linda Wood - Troup County High School
2022 - 2023 Teacher of the Year


 
Frady

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

Traveria Sewell - Long Cane Middle School
2019 - 2020 Teacher of the Year


 

Haridgree

Randy Hardigree - LaGrange High School
2018 - 2019 Teacher of the Year


 

Kayla

Kayla Yeargin -Troup County  High School
2017 - 2018 Teacher of the Year
2018 - 2019 GADOE State Finalist                


 

Jill

Jill Gay - Hollis Hand Elementary School
2016 - 2017 Teacher of the Year

2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Reception Livestream

TOTY Recognition

The Teacher of the Year program is designed to recognize excellence in teaching. The process includes:
  • 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)