The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) has narrowed the field and announced the Top Three Honorees for the Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year. Honorees were selected from the Top Ten, after extensive interviews with each teacher.

The Top Three Honorees are:

MEEF recognizes teachers who have dedicated themselves to excellence in the classroom. The MEEF Selection Committee – which is made up of business and educational leaders in Columbus – will observe each of the Top Three Honorees in their respective classrooms. The 2025 MCSD Teacher of the Year will be announced at the Gala on Thursday, May 1^st at the Trade Center to a sold-out crowd of over 1,200 supporters of excellence in education. 

"The passion and purpose these teachers bring to the classroom is nothing short of inspiring," said Josh Reynolds, TOTY Selection Committee Chair. "This isn’t just a profession for them—it’s a mission. They go above and beyond every single day to ignite learning, connect with students, and support one another. Their energy, heart, and dedication are what make education in our community truly exceptional." 

MEEF’S 2025 TOTY Selection Committee members are Josh Reynolds-Chair, TSYS/Global Payments; Tasha Morman, 2023 MCSD Teacher of the Year; Vanessa Ellis, 2022 MCSD Teacher of the Year; John Pezold, Whit’s Frozen Custard; Sheryl Green, 2015 MCSD Teacher of the Year; Ty Webb, W.C. Bradley; Michael Graydon, Synovus; John Dale Hester, Columbus United; Gina Smith, Keller Williams; Marquette McKnight, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation.