Newton High School Choral Director Named 2027 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year
Newton High School Choral Director Mr. Johnny Edwards has been named Newton County Schools’ 2027 Teacher of the Year!
Mr. Edwards was announced as the district’s top teacher during the annual Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year Celebration held Wednesday evening at Porter Performing Arts Center. He will now represent Newton County Schools in the Georgia Teacher of the Year Program.
As Newton County Schools’ 2027 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Edwards received $1,000 and a crystal award from the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, as well as a complimentary three-month vehicle rental from longtime Teacher of the Year program supporter Covington Ford.
Ms. Alexandra Allen, fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher at East Newton Elementary School, and Ms. Michelle Cole, third-grade teacher at Flint Hill Elementary School, were named runners-up. Each received a crystal award from the Newton County Chamber of Commerce.
“Right now, it’s so surreal,” said Johnny Edwards after the celebration. “It’s all sinking in right now but I’m excited to represent a county that is built on so many great principles of educating children and doing what’s best for them. I’m really looking forward to expanding my knowledge of community and how our county connects with the community and being a part of that—and also just encouraging other teachers to do what we do.”
He added, “To represent all of Newton County teachers means that I was picked out of the many that could have been picked to be a representation of our teachers.”
Mr. Edwards has served as choral director at Newton High School since 2015 and also teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory. Prior to joining Newton County Schools, he taught in the Bryan County School System and DeKalb County School District. Throughout his career, he has taught chorus, general music, and AP Music Theory.
Mr. Edwards earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Armstrong Atlantic in 1997 and his master’s degree from Georgia College and State University in 2014.
“Mr. Johnny Edwards is an exceptional educator whose influence reaches far beyond the walls of his classroom,” said Newton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III. “Through music, he creates opportunities for students to discover their talents, develop confidence, and experience what can be achieved through discipline, collaboration, and hard work. Just as importantly, he builds meaningful relationships with his students and challenges them to grow both as musicians and as young people. We are extremely proud to have Mr. Edwards represent Newton County Schools as our 2027 Teacher of the Year.”
“The Newton County Chamber of Commerce is proud to congratulate Mr. Johnny Edwards on being named Newton County Schools’ 2027 Teacher of the Year,” said Debbie Harper, President of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce. “Outstanding teachers have an impact that extends well beyond the classroom, helping students develop the skills, confidence, creativity, and work ethic they will carry with them throughout their lives. Mr. Edwards’ commitment to his students and his passion for music education are wonderful examples of the difference a great teacher can make. We are honored to celebrate him and all of this year’s Teachers of the Year.”
The annual Teacher of the Year Celebration recognized outstanding educators representing each of Newton County Schools’ 23 schools. The district’s selection process is modeled after the Georgia Teacher of the Year program and includes a review of candidates’ written essays, interviews, and classroom observations of the three finalists.
Newton County Schools extends its appreciation to the Newton County Chamber of Commerce for its continued partnership and support of the district’s Teacher of the Year program. The district also extends special thanks to Covington Ford, which has supported the Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year program for three decades and once again provided the district winner with a complimentary three-month vehicle rental.