Christian Named Toombs County Schools Teacher of the Year

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Toombs County High School Teacher Taylor “Tilly” Christian was named the District Teacher of the Year for Toombs County Schools during the Toombs County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, November 14.

Prior to the naming of the District Teacher of the Year, Toombs County Federal Programs Director Pam Sears spoke to the Board and meeting attendees about how each school within the district chose their Teacher of the Year and how those teachers then went on to compete for the district title.

“These teachers are chosen by their peers in their school to represent the school – so, it is quite an honor to be chosen,” she emphasized.

Each school’s Teacher of the Year was recognized at the meeting and received a plaque to commemorate the event. These Teachers of the Year were Madison Beverly – Lyons Primary School, Salain Meadows – Lyons Upper Elementary School, Laura McCain – Toombs Central Elementary School, Nanci Solorzano – Toombs County Middle School, and Taylor “Tilly” Christian – Toombs County High School.

“Each year, this is not just a simple recognition for them,” Sears continued. “After they’re chosen, they write an essay, which later, the winner of the district turns into the state department to participate in that competition. So, over the summer and the beginning part of the school year, they were busy writing their essays. We send those off to be judged so that someone can choose our District Teacher of the Year representative.”

Before announcing Christian as the winner of the district award, Sears shared several comments which Toombs County Principal Marissa Morris had written about the teacher prior to the meeting.

“She prides herself on having great rapport with her students and colleagues,” Morris wrote. “Both students and faculty and staff trust her. She brings enthusiasm, excitement, and skill to our team. She maintains a strong work ethic. In her classroom, you will find students actively engaged in hands-on learning, where inquiry and project-based activities come to life. She delivers expertly planned lessons to her students that allow them to investigate, assess, critically think, and problem solve. Students genuinely enjoy her class, not only because of her kind and pleasant demeanor, but because they are challenged to make mistakes and grow in a supported environment. She belongs in the top 1% of all the teachers that I have worked with in a professional and personal basis.”

Christian was presented with the award by Superintendent Barry Waller, who congratulated the teacher on the accomplishment. Christian’s essay will now be entered into the state Teacher of the Year competition.

DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Toombs County High School Teacher Taylor “Tilly” Christian was named the Toombs County Schools District Teacher of the Year. She will now move on to the state competition. L to R: Taylor Christian, Superintendent Barry Waller.

TCMS TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Toombs County Middle School Teacher Nancy Solorzano was named the Toombs County Middle School Teacher of the Year. L to R: Nanci Solorzano, Superintendent Barry Waller. TCES TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Toombs Central Elementary

School Teacher Laura McCain was named the Toombs Central Elementary School Teacher of the Year. L to R: Laura McCain, Superintendent Barry Waller.

LPS TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Lyons Primary School Teacher Madison Beverly was named the Lyons Primary School Teacher of the Year. L to R: Madison Beverly, Superintendent Barry Waller.