Third-grade teacher Joy West from Cross Creek Elementary School was named Thomas County Schools Teacher of the Year on Monday afternoon.

Superintendent Dr. Jean Quigg and Principal Bernice Mitchell entered West’s third-grade classroom and surprised her and her students with the announcement. The students broke out in applause as Quigg presented West with a bouquet of red roses for the occasion.

“I had no idea I would receive this award. There were so many qualified candidates this year. I feel very honored and look forward to representing Thomas County in the state Teacher of the Year contest,” said West.

Georgia Department of Education officials describe a teacher of the year as a certified classroom teacher; an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; someone who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues and is active in the community; and a person who is posed and articulate, and energetic. DOE encourages school systems to spotlight the teaching profession and recognize outstanding public school teachers through the Teacher of the Year designation.

Each Thomas County School recently selected a Teacher of the Year. To select the system-wide teacher, the school teachers of the year submitted applications and were interviewed by an impartial outside committee of local leaders.

The school Teachers of the Year included Catherine Thompson from Hand-in-Hand Primary, Michelle Allen from Garrison-Pilcher Elementary, West from Cross Creek Elementary, Pat Press from Thomas County Middle, Kimsey Hodge from Thomas County Central High, Jeremy Rich from Bishop Hall Charter Schoo and Bridget Still from Pathways.

Mitchell said West is an outstanding teacher and an asset not only to Cross Creek, but to the school system as well.