Fri Sep 13 17:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Newton County Announces Top Three Finalists for Teacher of the Year
**COVINGTON, GA** – The Newton County School System and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce have revealed the three finalists for the coveted 2025 Teacher of the Year award.
A panel of judges, after reviewing essays submitted by each of the school system’s 23 Teachers of the Year, spent two days conducting interviews with the candidates. Based on their scores, the following educators have emerged as the top contenders:
* **Brian Coates**, Director of Bands at Alcovy High School since 2017
* **Taylor Moody**, Teacher of Literature and Composition, Multicultural Literature and Composition, and Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition at Newton College & Career Academy
* **Heather Wood**, Teacher at Eastside High School
The finalists were selected for their dedication to teaching and their exceptional contributions to the educational landscape of Newton County. The next stage of the judging process will determine the ultimate winner, who will be announced in the coming weeks.
First Piper 