by Julie Lineback
Four local educators and University of West Georgia alumni were recently recognized for their work with elementary and high school students in their individual district school systems. All will compete for the Georgia Teacher of the Year in spring 2014.
Jason Backus was named Teacher of the Year for Douglas County School System where he works at Alexander High School in Douglasville, Georgia, as a math teacher. He received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 2005 and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education in 2010 from UWG.
Brandie Freeman, a science teacher at Woodland High School in Cartersville, Georgia, was named Bartow County Teacher of the Year. She obtained a BSED in middle grades education in 2005, an M.Ed. in middle grades education in 2007 and an Ed.S. in secondary education and teaching in 2010 from UWG.
Amy Gleaton teaches chemistry and physical science at Dalton High School in Dalton, Georgia. She was chosen by the Dalton Public School System as its Teacher of the Year. She earned an M.Ed. in middle grades education at UWG in 1998.
Patsy Hart ’10 was named Clayton County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year where she teaches third grade at Morrow Elementary School in Morrow, Georgia. She received an M.Ed. in early childhood education from UWG in 2010.
Several alums were also recognized as Teachers of the Year for 2012-13.
Don Williams, who graduated in 2000, teaches at Central High School and was named Carroll County Teacher of the Year. Adam (Matt) Williams, who graduated in 2007 and 2010, teaches at Cloverleaf Elementary School and was honored by Bartow County.
Carrollton City Schools recognized Carrollton Jr. High teacher Terrie Ponder, who graduated in 2011. Linsey Strickland, Class of 2011, of Beulah Elementary School was named Douglas County Teacher of the Year.
Are you an alum who has recently been recognized or won an award? Perspective Online wants to hear about it! Share your story by emailing us at perspect@westga.edu.
