CCSD Announces 2025 Teacher of the Year Finalists

Clockwise, from top left, Pamela Williams, Dr. Lisa Spence, Kellie Jo Baglio and Courtney Helmuth.

The Cherokee County School District today surprised four teachers with the news they are finalists for the 2025 CCSD Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis visited their classrooms to announce that the judging committee selected them as the top teachers of all CCSD schools’ and centers’ Teachers of the Year.  

They are: Latin teacher Kellie Jo Baglio of Woodstock HS, science teacher Courtney Helmuth of Dean Rusk MS, art teacher Dr. Lisa Spence of Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy, and Early Intervention Program teacher Pamela Williams of Sixes ES!  

“The most talented professionals in public education today are serving in our schools,” Superintendent Davis said.  “I have seen a professional skill that is unparalleled in public education and a dedication to go the extra mile that truly stands out in this field.”

School-level Teacher of the Year winners are selected by their colleagues.  Four finalists – two selected from all elementary school-level winners and two from all middle, high and centers honorees – are selected by a committee of retired educators, community leaders and the current CCSD Teacher of the Year.  Finalist selection is based on essay answers to questions about their careers and their views on teaching and education, and letters of support from principals, colleagues, students and parents.

The CCSD Teacher of the Year, who is one of the four finalists and is selected by the committee, will be announced during CCSD’s Legacy Makers celebration for all school honorees this spring.  The CCSD winner will represent the school district in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.  

The Legacy Makers banquet, and the prizes to be awarded to all of the honorees, are made possible by presenting sponsors: Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Credit Union of Georgia, Northside Hospital Cherokee and Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Canton.  Additional financial and in-kind sponsorship opportunities are available; interested businesses and organizations are encouraged to please contact Penny Dempsey at penny.dempsey@cherokeek12.net or 770.479.1871.

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CCSD Teacher of the Year Finalist Kellie Jo Baglio

CCSD Teacher of the Year Finalist Courtney Helmuth

CCSD Teacher of the Year Finalist Dr. Lisa Spence

CCSD Teacher of the Year Finalist Pamela Williams