- By Stephanie Toone The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the second year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is honoring 10 of metro Atlanta most exceptional teachers through its AJC Celebrating Teachers Awards.
The awards program seeks to recognize those educators who have a positive impact on not only their students lives but the community as a whole. Some of the educators selected have used creatively utilized subject matters − from science to poetry − to spark their students’ interest and ensure learning is an engaging experience for their pupils.
More than 200 public and private school teachers for grades kindergarten through 12 were nominated for the award. On Wednesday, Aug. 29, the 10 educators will be honored at the AJC Celebrating Teacher’s Awards ceremony.
The teachers were selected by a panel of three independent academic leaders, who represent local universities and Georgia’s professional education standards.
“Nothing is worth more to parents than knowing that dedicated teachers are educating, inspiring and encouraging their children,” AJC Editor Kevin Riley said. “We believe the very best are worth honoring and giving them the recognition they deserve. It will be a moment of significant pride for the honoree, their family and school.”
This year’s winners will be recognized at an exclusive awards ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 29. Those winners will be honored in a special commemorative section in the Sunday paper on Aug. 26.
Meet the 2018 winners of the AJC’s Celebrating Teachers Awards:
Celeste McNeil Clark, Kipp Strive Academy, Atlanta Charter
Jason Carr, Rocky Mount Elementary School, Cobb County
Chelsea Cook, Dunaire Elementary School, DeKalb County
Kara Cowdrick, Charles Brant Chesney Elementary School, Gwinnett County
Margaret Garth, Chattahoochee High School, Fulton County
Robert Katz, Norcross High School, Gwinnett County
Emily Lamos, Elkins Pointe Middle School, Fulton County
Cicely Lewis, Meadowcreek High School, Gwinnett County
Carrie Beth Rykowski, Vickery Creek Middle School, Forsyth County
Stephanie Spencer, Sagamore Hills Elementary School, DeKalb County