Schools

4 Elementary School Teacher of the Year Candidates Named

Michelle B. Jacobs, Andrea "Drew" Nesbitt, Darien Carruth, and Erika Prewett are four candidates for Douglas County Teacher of the Year.

The Douglas County School System has named the four Elementary School Teacher of the Year candidates as Michelle B. Jacobs, from Chapel Hill; Andrea "Drew" Nesbitt, Beulah Elementary; Darien Carruth, Mason Creek Elementary; and Erika Prewett, Lithia Springs.

Here's a portion of Michelle B. Jacobs' Teacher of the Year Application:

"I wanted to become a better music educator by learning how to best serve all the students that rotated through my programs. Through this process, l became an advocate for providing quality music programs to students with special needs. I was fortunate enough to teach with a band instructor that shared my philosophy on presenting exceptional music programs for students of all types, and we were able to share our knowledge through county music teacher meetings and trainings."

Here's a portion of Andrea "Drew" Nesbitt's Teacher of the Year Application:


"Just like my 3rd grade teacher impacted my life, I have been fortunate enough to impact the lives of countless children. This realization is, without a doubt, my greatest contribution and accomplishment in education!" 

Here's a portion of Darien Carruth's Teacher of the Year Application:

"One of the accomplishments that I am proudest of has been instilling in my students a sense of civic responsibility. Many children today have unfortunately been conditioned to think of themselves first. I have always tried to operate as an educator under the belief that there is Value in service, and that I should lead by example in this regard. My classes have participated in multiple service-oriented projects over the years, all with the idea that helping and serving others is important and worthy of the effort. We have raised money for various charities, collected food for the needy, and also completed service work Within the school."

Here's a portion of Erika Prewett's, Teacher of the Year Application:

"Each child is special and loved in my classroom. But I have a particular affection for the students who were like me as a child. 'Trouble' students who have had a hard time in other rooms have been moved to my room because I have asked for them. I remember how that student feels and I do everything I can to help them be successful by keeping them busy and providing them with engaging activities. And you better believe, I never, ever put them in a box!"

Each teacher’s county level application has been read and scored by a selection committee. The top eight candidates (two each from the middle and high school level and four from the elementary school level) also observed teaching in their classroom. The selection committee interviewed the eight candidates and have named a finalist for each area – Elementary, Middle and High School Teacher of the Year – as well as the overall Douglas County Teacher of the Year."

Recognition of all school level candidates will be held on Friday, Oct. 4 at Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club, 8000 Capps Ferry Road, Douglasville. The reception will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.  The announcement of the Douglas County Teacher of the Year and level honorees will be on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. during the annual Foxhall Family Festival at Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club. 

Related Douglasville Patch stories:

2 High School Teacher of Year Candidates Named
2 Middle School Teacher of the Year Candidates Named


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