Dawn Burnette of McIntosh High School is one of 11 finalists for the 2007 Georgia Teacher of the Year award, according to state school superintendent Kathy Cox’s office.

"These teachers represent what is best about education in Georgia," Cox said after the finalists’ names were announced last week. "These educators are innovative, resourceful and dedicated. And best of all, they are getting results."

The 2007 Teacher of the Year will be announced this spring.

Each year, local districts name a teacher of the year. These local winners become eligible to apply for Georgia Teacher of the Year. This year, 169 educators applied for consideration. On their applications they had to discuss what brought them to teaching, what they would do as Georgia Teacher of the Year and express their views on educational issues, including the use of data to drive improvements in student achievement.

The applications were reviewed by a panel of eight readers that included educators and business leaders, as well as members of the Georgia Department of Education staff.

A panel of judges will make site visits to see the finalists in the classroom and conduct interviews. The winner will serve as an educational ambassador for all of Georgia's public schools and advocate for all school systems, students and teachers. The Georgia Teacher of the Year takes a one-year sabbatical during which he or she speaks throughout the state, conducts staff development activities and participates in statewide committees and conferences.

The 2006 Teacher of the Year is Brenda Shuman-Riley of Dublin.

Cox announced the 2007 Teacher of the Year finalists during the state Board of Education meeting.

"This is one of my favorite parts of being superintendent," she said. "It is a good reminder that great education does not happen in board rooms and legislative chambers. It happens in a classroom that has a great teacher at the front of the room."

The finalists are:

• Mai Yin Tsoi, Gwinnett County, Collins Hill High School, honors and college prep chemistry.

• Dawn Burnette, Fayette County, McIntosh High School, English and journalism.

• Diana Lossner, Cobb County, Pope High School, math.

• Jesse Gates, Paulding County, Panter Elementary School, fourth grade.

• Jennifer A. Doss, Bibb County, Alexander II Magnet School, math and team teaching.

• Pam Walker, Douglas County, Alexnader High School, science.

• Janet Rembert Tomlinson, Oconee County, North Oconee High School, math.

• Chanda Palmer, Jackson County, Jackson County Comprehensive H.S., English.

• Jacqueline B. Hornsby, Troup County, West Side Magnet School, media specialist.

• Aviva Goelman, Sumter County, Sumter County Elementary School, fifth grade.

• Karin Joann Manis, Buford City, Buford Elementary School, first grade.

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