Wednesday, March 27, 2027–6:10 p.m.

-Staff reports-

Leigha Burnham serves as the Library Media & Technology Specialist at Summerville Middle School in Chattooga County.

According to the Georgia Department of Education:

Burnham began the school’s first STEM program, which has now expanded to all three grade levels.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Berry College, a master’s from Jacksonville State University, and a specialist’s degree from the University of West Georgia.

Throughout the month of March, State School Superintendent Richard Woods surprised each finalist in their classroom to let them know they’d been selected.

All 10 finalists will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year selection in May.

The 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession in Georgia and will be entered in the National Teacher of the Year competition.