Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year

Winners 2022-2023 school year

Alaina Jones

Alaina Jones resides in North Georgia. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has a master’s degree in Education from Chapman University in California. Alaina has lived in nine states since she was born but is happy to call Georgia her home. Alaina started teaching in Georgia’s Pre-K in 2013 and currently works at Akers Academy in Forsyth County.

In her free time, Alaina enjoys watching movies, TV, and listening to music. She also loves arts and crafts, rainy days and taking naps. Alaina has two grown children and two cats who keep her company at home.

Shannon Gibson

Shannon Gibson is from Habersham County. She graduated from the University of North Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has a master’s degree from Piedmont University in Early Childhood Education. Shannon has been teaching Georgia’s Pre-K for 13 years and currently works at Baldwin Elementary School in Habersham County.

Shannon is married and has three children who keep her very busy. She enjoys reading mystery novels, watching cooking competitions, attending her children’s activities, and spending time outside with her family.

2022-2023 Finalists

Melissa Boswell – CB Watson Elementary School (Houston County)

Debbie Carraway – Hand in Hand Primary School (Thomas County)

Shazia Ali – American Learning Center (Gwinnett County)

Silina Hodges – Discovery Point #29 (Coweta County)

The Teacher of the Year (TOTY) program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional Pre-K teachers. The Pre-K Teachers of the Year serve for one school year as an ambassador for the Georgia’s Pre-K program. A winner from a local public-school system and a winner from a private childcare center are selected each year.

To learn about the Teacher of the Year qualifications and responsibilities, click here.

For more information about the Pre-K Teacher of the Year program, contact Meghan McNail at meghan.mcnail@decal.ga.gov or 770-357-4911.