2016-17 Georgia Teacher of the Year named

Casey M. Bethel, an AP Physics, AP Biology and Physical Science teacher from New Manchester High in Douglasville, was named the 2016-2017 Georgia Teacher of the Year.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods made a surprise school visit to New Manchester High. As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Mr. Bethel will serve as an advocate for public education in Georgia.

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Mr. Bethel will represent Georgia teachers by speaking to the public about the teaching profession and possibly conducting workshops and programs for educators. He will also compete for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year.

His classroom mantra comes from a Chinese proverb that says: "Diligence is the path up the mountain of knowledge. Hard work is the boat across the endless sea of learning." He has reached the lives of his students, and his classroom is exciting, motivating, and inspiring, demonstrating his belief in the teaching profession.

Congratulations to Mr. Bethel!