Local Teacher Is State Finalist

Brian Patrick, an English and Language Arts teacher at Jasper County High School, was recently named a top 10 finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year by State School Superintendent Richard Woods.

Chosen from a pool of 151 applicants, the finalists were chosen based on the strength of their essay responses.

“I congratulate these 10 finalists for 2015 Georgia Teacher of the Year,” said Superintendent Woods. “I am looking forward to working with this extraordinary group of teachers to ensure our policies are child-focused and classroom-centered.”

Last week, Mr. Patrick gave a speech at a luncheon sponsored by Georgia Power.

On Monday, Mr. Patrick was observed via video while teaching in his classroom, and he was interviewed by a panel of judges.

The top winner will be announced at the Georgia Teacher of the Year conference during a luncheon on May 8, in the Floyd Room at the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building in Atlanta. The conference, which is paid for through donations from sponsors, will honor each local district Teacher of the Year.

The 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year will travel around the state and the nation, serving as an ambassador for the teaching profession. The winner will also be entered in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The 2015 Georgia Teacher of the Year is Amanda Miliner, a fourth grade teacher at Miller Elementary in Warner Robins.

Mr. Patrick was named the STAR teacher in 2013 by Olivia Aldridge. At that time he commented to the school board, “I’ve only been teaching four years, and being named STAR teacher was a remarkable experience. I can finally say, ‘I made a difference’ in a students life,’ which is why I teach. It’s definitely not for the money.”