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Goodwin named DeKalb School District Teacher of the Year
Goodwin
Teacher of the Year – Pictured from left are Supervisor of Instruction Michelle Burklow, Special Education Supervisor Natasha Vaughn, Northside Principal Angela Johnson, Amanda Goodwin, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, and Assistant Principal Beth Pafford.

The DeKalb County School System presented the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year awards last Monday, at each of the five schools in the county.

The 2024-25 DeKalb County School District Teacher of the Year is Northside Elementary School’s Mrs. Amanda Goodwin. She was presented with the “John Isabell Memorial Award” presentation by Director of Schools Patrick Cripps. As part of the honor, Goodwin also received a school bell award, a floral arrangement, and a certificate granting her a day off from school with pay.

Northside Elementary also announced Mrs. Goodwin as its 2024-2025 that school’s Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Goodwin exemplifies excellence through her dedication and unwavering commitment to her students.

Smithville Elementary School recognized Ms. Allyson Trapp as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Allyson is a first-grade teacher at SES and was selected by her peers for this honor.

The 2024-25 Dekalb County High School Teacher of the Year is Dylan Kleparek. Coach K as he is known was selected by his peers after many years as a dedicated science teacher and soccer coach.

Ms. Kristen Lynch was presented the 2024-2025 the DeKalb Middle School Teacher of the Year for that school. The school said, “She is so deserving and we are thankful to have her as part of our faculty.”

Mrs. Cathleen Humphrey was presented the 2024-2025 DeKalb West School Teacher of the Year award. Mrs. Humphrey is a major asset to DWS with over 15 years at DWS. She has served in many roles and always does a phenomenal job at every task she is faced with. She goes above and beyond for the students and staff of DWS.

“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said DeKalb School Director Patrick Cripps.

Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre-K-4, 5-8, 9-12.

Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the state finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers, while encouraging others to join the teaching profession.