Teacher of the Year with BOE members

At the Tuesday, February 13, meeting, the Board of Education recognized Mrs. Donna Fouts, Upson-Lee Elementary School's Teacher of the Year and winner of the  Thomaston-Upson School System's District Teacher of the Year title. Here's what Dr. Derico had to say about Mrs. Fouts:
"Mrs. Donna Fouts teaches grades 3-5 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at Upson-Lee Elementary School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from Mercer University, a Master of Education degree and a Specialist in Education degree, both from Georgia Southwestern State University. She has earned endorsements in STEM Education, Science Education, and Gifted Education. This is not Mrs. Fouts first time being selected as teacher of the year. She was chosen as the Upson-Lee Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2005-2006 school year. Other accolades include the 2019 Gordon Youth Science and Technology Center STEM Scholar Award, the 2003 Gordon Youth Science & Technology Science Teacher of the Year award, and the 2003 Manufacturers' Roundtable Teacher of Excellence Award. Mrs. Fouts believes in providing students with hands-on learning experiences within the context of real-world applications. As the STEM coach at Upson-Lee Elementary School, she coordinates STEM night to engage parent participation in STEM activities. She also sponsors an after-school gardening program and conducts a four-day STEM camp for elementary students each summer. Congratulations to Mrs. Donna Fouts, Upson-Lee Elementary and Thomaston-Upson School System’s Teacher of the Year."
pictured l-r: Dr. Amy Miller, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction; Mr. Stephen Sadler, BOE member; Mr. Scott Roberts, BOE member; Mr. Jaye Eubanks, BOE Vice-Chair; Mrs. Donna Fouts, ULSE & T-U District Teacher of the Year; Ms. Jacqueline Hollis, BOE Chairperson; Mr. Brian Salter, BOE member; Ms. Angeline McGill, BOE member; Dr. Larry Derico, Superintendent