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5 stories on Columbus’ Teacher of the Year celebrations

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

The Muscogee County School District celebrated its annual Teacher of the Year award, starting with 54 nominees from schools across Columbus.

Judges narrowed the pool to 10 semifinalists, then three finalists: Eretha Hamilton, Charles Repass, and Amanda Zarate. Amanda Zarate, a theater teacher at Wynnton Arts Academy, won the award and was praised for fostering students' confidence and life skills through the arts. Her students and principal highlighted how she teaches communication and self-esteem, and Zarate described how her Army background shapes her teaching philosophy.

During the gala at the Columbus Convention Trade Center, nominees and finalists were recognized for their dedication, and Zarate called attention to the value of arts education and supportive professional communities in schools.

Christie Akers (center), an English teacher at Northside High School in Columbus and the Muscogee County School District 2024 Teacher of the Year, is one of the 10 finalists to be the Georgia Teacher of the Year. Pictured with her are, from left, Northside prinicipal Nathan Laney, Georgia Department of Education superintendent Richard Woods, MCSD superintendent David Lewis and MCSD west region chief Terry Baker. By Kimberly Wright

NO. 1: THIS MUSCOGEE COUNTY EDUCATOR IS ONE OF THE FINALISTS TO BE GEORGIA’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR

“Her commitment to student success and innovative approach to learning make her an outstanding representative,” said MCSD superintendent David Lewis. | Published March 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation announced the 54 nominees for the Muscogee County School District 2025 Teacher of the Year award Thursday at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in downtown Columbus. By Mike Haskey

NO. 2: 54 NOMINEES ARE NARROWED TO 10 SEMIFINALISTS FOR MUSCOGEE COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

“These educators stood out for their extraordinary impact, creative approaches to teaching and unwavering passion for helping students reach their full potential,” said selected committee member Marquette McKnight. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation announced the 54 nominees for the Muscogee County School District 2025 Teacher of the Year award Thursday at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in downtown Columbus. By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: TEACHER OF THE YEAR IN MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BE ONE OF THESE 3 FINALISTS

“The passion and purpose these teachers bring to the classroom is nothing short of inspiring,” said Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation chairman Josh Reynolds. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation announced the 54 nominees for the Muscogee County School District 2025 Teacher of the Year award Jan. 16 at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in downtown Columbus. By Mike Haskey

NO. 4: AND THE WINNER OF THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD IS . . .

A sellout crowd of more than 1,100 people attended the event in the Columbus Convention & Trade Center, where the winner was announced and the 54 nominees were honored. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

Amanda Zarate, the theater teacher at Wynnton Arts Academy in Columbus, Georgia, looks over a hat created by a student for the school’s recent hat parade. Zarate was recently named the 2025 Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year. By Mike Haskey

NO. 5: WHY IS SHE MUSCOGEE’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR? WE ASKED HER STUDENTS AND PRINCIPAL

“She’s always there for us,” one of her students said. “We can tell her anything. She understands how we feel.” | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.