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The Troup County School System announced the finalists for Teacher of the Year for the 2021 to 2022 school year this afternoon. The three division finalists are: fifth grade English teacher Katie King at Hogansville Elementary, sixth grade teacher Tishana Hines at Hope Academy and eleventh grade American Literature Teacher Linda Wood at Troup High School. Superintendent Dr. Brian Shumate surprised them with flowers and candy as the Teacher of the Year “surprise” patrol made their way around schools to announce the finalists.

As Shumate, principals, family, co-workers and friends entered their classrooms, the Teacher of the Year (TOTY) finalists learned they made it to the next local round of competition. Shumate said he is proud of all of the TOTY candidates and the three that were recognized today.

“We are extremely proud of all our TOTY candidates and especially the three finalists who were recognized today. They are outstanding teachers and a credit to the profession. It was fun to get to surprise them along with their family members and co-workers,” Shumate said.

“Obviously, they were surprised, excited and overjoyed. This is one of the best parts of my job when we get to recognize our outstanding TCSS employees! I wish all of the finalists good luck.”

One of these three finalists will soon be named the Troup County School System Teacher of the Year and will advance to represent the district in the state competition.

They have to complete an essay, a videotaped interview and a classroom observation that will be judged by three current or retired educators outside of Troup County. School officials will announce the district winner, and honor all school level Teacher of the Year winners, at a special reception on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.