‘Geri Flanary of Duluth High School has been named the 2016 Gwen Hutcheson Outstanding Educator by the Georgia Council for the Social Studies. Each year, the Georgia Council for the Social Studies recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate significant service and foster the development of democratic values and citizenship in the classroom, school, and community as well as exhibit professional involvement beyond the normal job requirements.
I am thankful, honored, and humbled by the recognition, said Geri Flanary. Teaching is not what I do, it is who I am. My purpose is to involve students in experiences that will prepare them to be participatory members of a democratic society.At the end of the day, I ask myself: Have I done all that I can, given the time that I have, to help every student in my classroom to learn more, strive harder, and be better? If the answer is yes, then I rest for a bit and get ready to do it all over again on the next day.
As this year’s honoree, Flanary receives a cash award of $250 and a two-year comprehensive membership to the National Council for the Social Studies.
Flanary takes pride in this achievement but is quick to share that her success if a reflection of her team’s success. She explains, “I consider myself to be a part of a larger team, the social studies teachers at Duluth High School. We work collaboratively to ensure the academic success of all of our students and I share this recognition with all of them.”
In this photo (L-R): GCPS Social Studies Director Debbie Daniell, Duluth HS Teacher Geri Flanary, and Duluth HS Principal Anthony Smith
