A Cherokee County School District teacher has been named the top science teacher in the state!
Ann-Margaret Somers of Mill Creek Middle School is the Georgia Science Teachers Association 2022-23 Teacher of the Year for Middle Schools.
The award recognizes “a distinguished teacher who exhibits ongoing excellence in the teaching of science and commitment to its improvement.” One winner at each level -- elementary, middle and high -- is selected statewide and, as part of the honor, receives a $1,500 grant and complimentary registration for the association’s annual conference. Winners are selected based on an outstanding record of exemplary classroom instruction, demonstrated innovative teaching strategies, strong professional engagement and recommendations by colleagues and supervisors.
“Congratulations to Ms. Somers on this impressive achievement,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “We’re so proud that her dedication to excellence in science education has been recognized at this well-earned level. STEM education is critically important for all of our students, and Ms. Somers works every day to ensure her students receive the best instruction and support.”
The winners will be honored by the association at an awards luncheon in March in Atlanta. Ms. Somers also will be recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Dr. Hightower at the school board’s February meeting.
Ms. Somers teaches eighth-grade physical science and serves as her school’s science department chair. Her past honors include being named a 2022 Georgia STEM Scholar by the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers, which annually is presented to only 24 elementary and middle school teachers from a pool of statewide nominees. Ms. Somers also was one of only 26 teachers nationwide honored in 2020 as a Teacher Fellow by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and National Science Teaching Association.
The nonprofit association of professional science teachers is focused on supporting excellent science teaching for all students in Georgia.
“We truly appreciate Ms. Somers’ dedication to providing all students with the opportunity to engage in science learning experiences focused on making sense of phenomena and designing solutions to problems in her school and community,” association President Nicole Page said.
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