For the first time since 2011, the Columbia County School District’s
Teacher of the Year has been named a Top 10 Finalist in the running for Georgia Teacher of the
Year.
Crystal McDowell, a Greenbrier High School science teacher, was recognized during a
surprise presentation in her classroom by State School Superintendent Richard Woods,
Superintendent Steve Flynt and Greenbrier High School Principal Chip Fulmer, according to a news release from the school district.
Read more: ‘Change agent’ named Columbia County Teacher of the Year
McDowell will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches prior to the selection of the 2025 Teacher of the Year.
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She is the ninth Columbia County Teacher of the Year to be named a state finalist, the release said.
“What an honor. I just want to say, that first and foremost, the students are who this is all
about, they’re why I do what I do every day. It means the world to be able to represent our
county, and potentially represent our state, and to be able to do everything I can to make it a
wonderful experience for our kids,” McDowell said.
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