In Cobb, it’s an annual tradition to celebrate teachers like rock stars. This year was no different. As more than 100 Teachers of the Year from schools across Cobb County walked into the Wheeler High School arena, the stands erupted in cheers. The bleachers were filled with student fans of the rock star teachers. The Cobb students shook pom poms and cardboard posters high in the air, hoping to catch the eye of their number one teacher. Many of the Teachers of the Year pointed and waved to their fans as they took their place of honor at the community pep rally held just for them.  

The annual pep rally is a salute to Cobb teachers, a way to recognize and thank the dedicated educators who are instrumental to student success. The rock star event is part of the Cobb Chamber’s 34th year of Give Our Schools a Hand celebrations, which honors teachers from Cobb Schools, Marietta City Schools, and Cobb’s post-secondary institutions.  

“We value our teachers in Cobb, and it shows. Being home to one of the biggest community-sponsored salutes to teachers in the nation is another reason why Cobb is the best place to teach, lead, and learn. Our standout educators and the success they make possible for Cobb students is a big reason families want to make Cobb their home, and we are thankful to all our educators and the community support that makes this possible,” said Board Chair Brad Wheeler.  

Combined, the honored Cobb County Teachers of the Year have 2,200 years of experience. One of the Teachers of the Year, Cobb’s High School Teacher Suzette Spinelli, has served students for 48 years. 

Before Superintendent Chris Ragsdale recognized each Cobb Schools Teacher of the Year, the Dickerson Middle School Trash Can Band serenaded the teacher honorees. Earlier in the event, Wheeler High School students presented the "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

During the pep rally and with the help of students from Eastvalley Elementary School, Cobb’s three District Level Teachers of the Year and Marietta City’s District Level winner took the stage for a drawing to determine which brand of new car they will drive free for a year courtesy of the Ed Voyles Automotive Group.  

For at least one of the teachers who currently drives a 16-year-old car, their new car will be a huge upgrade. If one of the District Teachers of the Year is selected as Georgia’s Teacher of the Year, the Cobb teacher will keep the keys to the new car forever! 

The four Teachers of the Year will pick up the keys to their new cars in the near future. 

The pep rally comes on the heels of the Teacher of the Year Handprint Ceremony that honored Cobb Schools District Teacher of the Year, Dr. Elizabeth Goff, and the Marietta City Teacher of the Year. 

In August, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced  Dr. Goff of Bells Ferry Elementary School as the District’s Teacher of the Year, and before the school year began, he announced the three District Level Teachers of the Year.