CSRA RESA

Ms. McDowell teaches AP biology, human anatomy and physiology, and genetics at Greenbrier High School in Columbia County Schools and was named Columbia County School District’s Teacher of the Year. She will go on to meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches prior to the selection of the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Ms. McDowell is the ninth CCSD Teacher of the Year to be named a state finalist.

Ms. McDowell aims to revive student curiosity and creativity to inspire the next generation of innovators. She enthusiastically advocates for STEM integration, community partnerships, and experiential learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and master’s and specialist’s degrees from Missouri Baptist University.

In an email to Dr. Debbie Alexander, Ms. McDowell shared, “It is an honor and a privilege and a role that I do not take lightly. I believe in our profession and in public education. Teaching is my passion and purpose. It is incredible to wake up every morning and learn alongside my students. I became an educator to be a change agent for education, but I fell in love with teaching because of my students. This entire process continues to help me grow and improve my craft and enables me to network with so many incredible educators and community members. I aim to represent us to the best of my ability. Community cultivates creativity and I hope to make our community proud.”

Ms. Crystal McDowell pictured with students in her Anatomy Class at Greenbrier High School. The students were part of the celebration when the announcement was made that Ms. McDowell was a 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist. (photo from CCSD News - 2023-2024 – CCSD News – Columbia County Schools (ccboe.net)

“What an honor. I just want to say, that first and foremost, the students are who this is all about, they’re why I do what I do every day. It means the world to be able to represent our county, and potentially represent our state, and to be able to do everything I can to make it a wonderful experience for our kids.”

Pictured from left: Greenbrier High School Principal Chip Fulmer; State Finalist Crystal McDowell; State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods; and CCSD Superintendent Dr. Steve Flynt; the group and others surprised Ms. McDowell with the announcement during class on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (photo from CCSD News - 2023-2024 – CCSD News – Columbia County Schools (ccboe.net))

May 1 - Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Training

May 8 - Behavior Interventions that Work: Keys to Having a Successful Classroom

May 29 - May 31 - New GA ELA Standards Orientation & Overview Workshop (3 days)

To register for any of these sessions - registration.csraresa.org/PL_Session_List_Public_View.asp

A quarterly newsletter is available to share information with teachers about the Georgia Student Assessment Program to deepen understanding of the program, its purpose, and its uses. The Spring 2024 issue is now available, and all previous issues can be found on the For System Test Coordinators webpage. Teachers can also subscribe to News for Teachers using the widget on the Georgia Student Assessment Program webpage.