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Muscogee County names 10 Teacher of the Year semifinalists
The finalists will be announced on March 27 before the winner is revealed at a gala on May 7.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The Muscogee County School District has narrowed down the 53 nominees for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award to 10 semifinalists. The semifinalists will be interviewed by the selection committee, and the finalists will be announced on March 27. The winner will be revealed at the Teacher of the Year gala on May 7.
Why it matters
The Teacher of the Year program is an important way for the Muscogee County School District to recognize and reward exceptional educators who are making a measurable impact on student success through innovative instruction and unwavering commitment.
The details
The 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Muscogee County Teacher of the Year are: Carolyn Bingham, Joshua Bowman, Mandy Chase, Kimberly Grant, Christian Grier, Jaime Holmes, Melvin Jackson, Amber Marcus, Joy Moore, and Kati Morrell. The selection committee, comprising local education and business leaders, chose these semifinalists from the 53 nominees representing each school in the district.
- The semifinalists were announced on March 4, 2026.
- The finalists will be announced on March 27, 2026.
- The Teacher of the Year gala will be held on May 7, 2026.
The players
Muscogee County School District
The public school district serving Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding area.
Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation
The nonprofit organization that runs the Muscogee County School District's Teacher of the Year program.
Gina Smith
The chairwoman of the 2026 MCSD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee.
Marquette McKnight
The executive director of the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation.
Gena Davis
A 2022 MCSD Teacher of the Year finalist who serves on the selection committee.
What they’re saying
“Reviewing each of the 53 honoree applications provides an inspiring glimpse into the extraordinary work happening in classrooms across our district every single day.”
— Marquette McKnight, Executive Director, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (News Release)
“Our community leaders who serve on the selection committee are consistently moved by the depth of dedication, creativity and heart our teachers bring to their students.”
— Marquette McKnight, Executive Director, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (News Release)
“Selecting the top 10 is always an incredibly difficult decision, but these educators distinguished themselves through their measurable impact, innovative instruction and unwavering commitment to student success.”
— Marquette McKnight, Executive Director, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (News Release)
What’s next
The selection committee will interview the 10 semifinalists and then announce the finalists on March 27, 2026. The winner will be revealed at the Teacher of the Year gala on May 7, 2026.
The takeaway
The Muscogee County School District's Teacher of the Year program is a valuable way to recognize and reward exceptional educators who are making a real difference in the lives of their students through innovative teaching and unwavering dedication.
