Lisa Pritchett says she was in “total shock” to be named Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009 for Murray County Schools.

“I was pleased that my peers picked me,” she said, “because there are so many good teachers out there who need to be recognized for what they’re doing.”

Pritchett was a high school mathematics teacher last year when she was chosen as a finalist. She is now the curriculum instruction facilitator at Murray County High School. She qualifies for the state Teacher of the Year award sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education. The Georgia Teacher of the Year will be awarded at the state banquet in May 2009.

Other finalists (teachers of the year at their respective schools) included Kay Gibson, Woodlawn Elementary; Stephaine Petty, Northwest Elementary; Rebecca Goss, Gladden Middle; Alan Gibson, Bagley Middle; Kristy Campbell, Coker Elementary; Charissa Baker, Eton Elementary; Rebecca Bishop, Spring Place Elementary; and Jerome Shields, Chatsworth Elementary.

School administrators, central office directors and family members gathered to celebrate the finalists’ accomplishments at Cohutta Lodge Restaurant and Conference Center. One of the highlights was a DVD presentation that included each nominee. Evelyn Wright, instructional technology specialist with Murray County Schools, pre-recorded each teacher responding to questions.

Each of the finalists had to submit an 11-page application with references. Judging was done by representatives of the North Georgia Regional Education Services Agency (RESA).

The 2007-2008 Murray County Teacher of the Year, Robin Baggett, announced Pritchett as the winner.