McAllister Elementary art teacher Brittany Nearhoof has been named a finalist for the Georgia Teacher of the Year, Bryan County Schools announced Wednesday.

Nearhoof, who in November was named Bryan County Schools Teacher of the Year, was told March 30 of her selection by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, Bryan County Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Brooksher and Bryan County school board members.

The 10 finalists were selected from district Teacher of the Year winners. Each district Teacher of the Year completed an application and submitted it to be read and scored by a group of reviewers including past Georgia Teacher of the Year winners and finalists along with selected Georgia Department of Education representatives.

The finalists will meet with a panel of judges and participate in formal interviews to determine the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, according to BCS.

The 2024 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.

The state winner will serve from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 to align with the national program, according to the school system.

“Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Brittany Nearhoof being named a top 10 finalist for the Georgia Teacher of the Year,” the system press release said. “We wish her continued success throughout the remainder of the state Teacher of the Year process.”