Jane Burke from Spalding High School (SHS), Kelly Clark from Crescent Elementary (CES) and Brittany Kitchens from Jordan Hill Elementary are finalists for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) 2026-2027 District-Wide Teacher of the Year (TOTY).
Twenty school-level TOTY applications were submitted and judged by an independent panel, using a rubric to select three finalists. The finalists then participated in classroom observations and interviews. The District TOTY will be announced during the GSCS Back-to-School Celebration on July 23.
Jane Burke - Spalding High School
Burke has been a high school science educator for over 20 years. She joined GSCS at Spalding High in 2021 and is currently teaching 9-12 grade science courses. Burke holds an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Reinhardt College, a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lee College and a master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Georgia.
Throughout her career, Burke has been recognized for excellence in teaching and leadership. She was named Teacher of the Year at Spalding High School (2022–2023 and 2026–2027), Luella High School (2003–2004), and Stockbridge High School (1997–1998), and was a Henry County and Spalding County Teacher of the Year Finalist. She was also honored as the National Association of Biology Teachers Georgia Biology Teacher of the Year (1997–1998) and received the Rising Star Award from Dekalb College (1997-1998).
Burke’s pedagogical priorities emphasize hands-on learning supported by strong fundamentals in reading, writing and discussion in the content area. Based on her educational priorities and values, Burke founded both the Science Club and the Science National Honor Society at Spalding High School, where students are exposed to diverse areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through guest lectures, laboratory experiences, field trips, and opportunities for student-led research and presentations.
Burke’s colleague stated, “Mrs. Burke challenges her students to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop a genuine passion for science. She encourages curiosity and fosters an environment where students are inspired to push their boundaries and achieve their full potential. Mrs. Burke exemplifies excellence in education through her compassion, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to student success.”
Kelly Clark - Crescent Elementary
Clark has been a GSCS educator for over 20 years. She began her career at Moore Elementary in 2000 and was named their Teacher of the Year in 2007. Clark joined Crescent in 2014 and currently teaches fifth-grade Language Arts. She also serves as grade level chair, MTSS chair, PBIS team representative, on the library committee and as a Mentor Teacher. The fifth graders now participate in a yearly field trip to Camp Wahsega in Dahlonega, GA, initiated by Clark and her grade level team.
Clark earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and her master’s degree in Education Technology from Troy University. She also holds an endorsement in reading, math, science and gifted education.
Clark stated, “The most important thing to me as a teacher is that students feel that I create a classroom where they feel empowered to learn, that they matter and that they want to learn.”
“Mrs. Clark consistently delivers high-quality, engaging instruction that inspires a love of reading and writing in her students. Her classroom is a dynamic learning environment where students are actively involved, challenged, and supported. She is also a trusted colleague who collaborates effectively, shares her knowledge generously, and contributes to a strong, supportive school culture. Having been a part of our school community for many years, Mrs. Clark is truly the backbone of our school. Her leadership, consistency, and unwavering dedication have had a lasting impact on both students and staff,” stated Clark’s Principal Amie Chambers.
Brittany Kitchens - Jordan Hill Elementary
Kitchens began her career in 2013 as a teacher at Jordan Hill Elementary after serving as a paraprofessional for two years while completing her degree. She currently teaches second-grade ELA, math, science, and social studies. Kitchens is also involved in curriculum development; she has written kindergarten through second-grade social studies curriculum for four consecutive years, which was recognized as exemplary and used as a district model.
Kitchens earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Mercer University and her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University.
Kitchens is known for a dynamic, creative, and adaptable teaching style that emphasizes hands-on, memorable learning experiences. Her instruction includes investigations like observing chicks hatch and observing plants grow. She also connects students to real-world learning through virtual and guest experiences, including a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) professional involved in the Artemis II mission.
Kitchens stated, “I entered education to support student growth and confidence. I find joy in seeing students’ progress from non-readers to confident readers and from struggling mathematicians to capable problem solvers.”
Kitchen’s colleague wrote, “Mrs. Kitchens creates a classroom environment that is warm, engaging, and student-centered. Her lessons are thoughtfully designed and creatively delivered, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable. She has an incredible ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that every child feels supported and challenged to grow.”
Congratulations to all of the GSCS 2026-2027 School-Level Teachers of the Year:
Anne Street Elementary - Hannah Brook
Atkinson Elementary - Meredith McDowell
Beaverbrook Elementary - Heather McVey
Cowan Road Elementary - Alicia Stratton
Crescent Elementary - Kelly Clark
Futral Road Elementary - Annaclaire Jones
Jackson Road Elementary - Melanie Harrison
Jordan Hill Elementary - Brittany Kitchens
Moore Elementary - Rashawn Capers
Moreland Road Elem. - Rachel Teague
Orrs Elementary - Catherine Gayle
Carver Road Middle - Amanda Thompson
Cowan Road Middle - Candece Simmonds-Ward
Kennedy Road Middle - Derek Wilder
Rehoboth Road Middle - Peter Hein
Griffin High School - Patrick Pratt
Spalding High School - Jane Burke
A. Z. Kelsey Academy - Jovan Mcfarquhar
Mainstay Academy - Kandance Evans
GRCCA - Taylor Delay