The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) announced the Top Ten Honorees for the Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year (TOTY) today, March 10th. The 2023 Top Ten were selected from the applications of 55 teacher Honorees – each named the Teacher of the Year for their respective schools. All Top Ten Honorees were notified at their schools as MEEF Board members surprised them in their classroom with the announcement. Top Ten Honorees are:

MEEF recognizes teachers who have dedicated themselves to excellence in the classroom. The Top Ten Honorees will be interviewed by the MEEF Selection Committee, which is made up of business and educational leaders in Columbus. After the interviews, the Selection Committee will select the Top Three Honorees, who will then be observed in their classrooms. The 2023 MCSD Teacher of the Year will be announced at the Gala on Thursday, May 4^th, at the Trade Center to an expected crowd of over 1,100 supporters of excellence in education. 

“The selection process allows community leaders an insightful look at what teachers do, day in and day out-in their classrooms,” said Marquette McKnight, the Executive Director of MEEF and selection committee member. “The committee members are always awed and amazed at the selfless dedication, the unceasing commitment that teachers must reach their students, to love their students. It gives the teachers on the committee a renewed pride in their profession and often leads to conversations of “How did you do that?” “Teach me!” 

One of the biggest benefits of one being named Top Ten is it allows these teachers to apply to be one of MEEF’s Harvard Fellows, McKnight explained. “The Harvard Fellows program is a huge benefit for professional development at the highest level. MEEF’s Harvard Fellows go on to become even more effective teacher leaders and opens new opportunities for them through the district and state.” 

The Selection Committee members include MEEF Board members, community leaders and former MCSD Teachers of the Year including:  Josh Reynolds (TSYS Global Payments)-Chair, Mandy Flynn (Aflac), Gina Smith (Coldwell Banker, KPDD), Ty Webb (W.C. Bradley), Sheryl Green (2015 MCSD TOTY), Rita Ellis (Key 2 Wall Street), Dacia Sheffield (2019 MCSD TOTY), Lisa Seegar (2021 MCSD TOTY), and Marquette McKnight (MEEF).

The gala is open to the public and tickets to the Gala can be purchased at RiverCenter Box Office starting March 21^th, for $50 each.