Cobb teachers returned to their classrooms this week to prepare for the return of students on August 2.
Thousands of Cobb educators watched the broadcast of the District-wide Kickoff event, which was often filled with applause, a bit of laughter, and a whole lot of excitement from the audience that was in person at Harrison High School.
During the event, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale thanked the teachers for their dedication to Cobb students and explained that what’s in the best interest of Cobb students will be central to Cobb’s mission, vision, and priorities for the 2021-2022 school year.
In addition to highlighting the commitment of Cobb teachers, Superintendent Ragsdale also praised the work of other members of the Cobb team, including Food & Nutrition Services, which dished up more than 13 million breakfasts and lunches to students last school year.
Back to School: No Charge for Student Meals
Superintendent Ragsdale also recognized Cobb’s Teachers of the Year, who earned their TOTY title in 2020 but will carry their title through this school year. Some annual TOTY celebrations were put on hold last year but are scheduled to return in Fall 2021.
Elementary TOTY: Dr. Darline Douangvilay, City View Elementary School
Middle School TOTY: Michelle Gottenberg, Mabry Middle School
High School TOTY: Beth Foster, Osborne High School
The District Level Teacher of the Year will be named in fall 2021.
Some Cobb teachers, who were not at Harrison High School, may have been watching the Kickoff event from the District’s newest school—Pearson Middle School—which will welcome students for the first time this year. Some of the other new facilities and schools that opened over the past 17 months include the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA), City View Elementary School, Clay Harmony-Leland Elementary School, Instructional Support Center, Data Center, Cobb Online Learning Academy (COLA), and rebuild of Osborne High School.
Following the kickoff event, Cobb teachers returned to their work planning with colleagues for the upcoming school year. Many welcomed students and parents for sneak-a-peek and orientation events.
One Cobb educator who has been helping students succeed for almost two decades talked about his excitement for the upcoming school year.
“I am always excited when the first day of school approaches. Although many of my students were back in person at the end of last year, I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back in a safe environment where we can focus on learning. Students really missed their ability to interact with each other, so I am excited to see them together again,” said Phil Sandifer, Wheeler High School’s World Geography Teacher and Assistant Head Football Coach.
