Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year is an educational ambassador for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. He/she will act as a representative for all Savannah-Chatham teachers and as an advocate for the school system, its students, and its teachers. The Teacher of the Year may have numerous engagements in addition to receiving a proclamation at the Board Meeting. This teacher representative conducts staff development activities for other teachers in his or her area of expertise; serves on district- wide committees; and attends and participates in various conferences. The selected teacher will serve as the 2008 Teacher of the Year.

This award is one of the major highlights of the school year for our teachers.  This year the selection process has been changed to incorporate feedback from teachers and to ensure that our system’s professionals are honored properly.  We have also added many new facets that will give our honorees more deserved recognition and streamline the administrative process.

Attached are all the forms you will need as well as timelines and instructions for the process.

Teacher of the Year Guidelines and Selection Criteria

Qualifications:

Highly qualified classroom teachers in grades K-12 may be nominated.  This includes all teachers in special education, physical education, art, music, and media specialists that are teaching in their subject areas.  Guidance Counselors are not eligible.  Applicants should spend most of their time in a classroom setting.  Supervisory and administrative responsibilities should be of secondary consideration.

The candidate for Teacher of the Year should be:

• An exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher who is planning to continue in active teaching status
• A teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
• A teacher who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues
• A teacher who plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school
• A teacher who is poised, articulate and possesses the energy to withstand a taxing schedule
• A teacher who has a length of service of 3 or more years with current school as a teacher
• Certification and credentials must be current and valid.  Teachers with Provisional Certificates are not eligible.
• Demonstrates high motivation, initiative, integrity, leadership skills, commitment, and exceptional judgment