Earlier this week, Gwinnett County schools announced their six finalists for the district's 2017 "Teacher of the Year" — and surprised the educators in their classrooms.

Read more about the teachers by clicking here, and enjoy the photos below that capture the moments just after they were told they're in the running to be the top educator from the state's largest school district.

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Mariah Parker, steering committee at Play Fair ATL, speaks to members of the media during an event to launch its policy platform outlining community-driven demands ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the Steele Bridge near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman