Valdosta City Schools names Heather Dorsey as 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year

Oct. 27—VALDOSTA — Heather Dorsey, an art teacher at S.L. Mason Elementary School, was named the Valdosta City Schools system-wide Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The banquet was held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center Thursday evening and was full of family members and employees who came in support of their schools' Teacher of the Year.

The program was coordinated by Director of Public Relations Jennifer Steedley, who began with welcoming remarks. The invocation was recited by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Alvin Hudson. Attendees in their best attire enjoyed dinner as VCS Board of Education member Trey Sherwood of District 5 approached the podium.

VCS System-wide and Pinevale Elementary School 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year Columbus Arren Carter III then introduced all recipients from each school. The award winners were given a plaque and a gift basket with goodies courtesy of sponsors from across Valdosta and Lowndes County.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart then announced Dorsey as the system's Teacher of the Year. He said the award was well deserved as he attended her class and did not want to leave himself.

Dorsey graduated from Valdosta State University in 2004 with a Bachelor's of Art Education and later graduated with a Master's of Education in Art Education. She has taught within Valdosta schools since 2004 starting at Dewar Elementary, then Lowndes High School since 2006 and currently S.L. Mason since 2017.

"Heather Dorsey is an exceptional art teacher who is passionate about helping students reach their potential in a creative way. She knows the importance of academic success and believes building students' confidence in many areas increases academic performance," her application letter said. "For the past 19 years, she has had the pleasure of using her creativity and love of art to create inspiring lessons that expose students to artists and art processes. Dorsey's passion for art and teaching began before she received her degree. She began art lessons in preschool, and growing up, spent many days playing 'school' with her sister and their dolls."

Her application included three recommendation letters from Principal Kevin Daw, Director of K-12 ELA and Literacy Teaching & Learning April Doyle and Assistant Principal Dr. Lauren Whittaker.

"Mrs. Dorsey has continually demonstrated a professional demeanor that has served a role model for other educators during her time at S.L. Mason. I can personally attest that Mrs. Dorsey demonstrates a passion for education and diligently ensures that students learn on a high level everyday. Her dedication to her students, colleagues, school and district have been contagious and have directly made a positive impact on other educators working with her," Daw wrote.

Doyle said Dorsey had a personal impact with her family during the pandemic. Her virtual art lessons and resources helped Doyle's family keep her son excited to receive art assignments.

"The energetic and upbeat demeanor that she displays day in and day out is one that is contagious to all that come into contact with her," Whittaker said. "Each student leaves her class with a newfound love and understanding of art. Additionally, children are thrilled to find their artwork displayed throughout the school, as well as entered into various competitions and art displays throughout Valdosta. Thanks to Mrs. Dorsey, you can find S.L. Mason's student artwork on display at places such as Valdosta Mall and the Annette Howell Arts Center."

Dorsey was supported by her husband and their child, her parents and her parents-in-law.

Other school Teachers of the Year recognized Thursday were:

* Courtney Allen, Valdosta Middle School.

* Telonica Blake, W.G. Nunn Elementary School.

* Lloyd Campbell, Horne Learning Center.

* Deatrice Hose, J.L. Newbern Middle School.

* Chelsea Lewis, J.L. Lomax Elementary School.

* Timeka Ross, Valdosta Early College Academy.

* Gabriel Naomi Virgil, Sallas Mahone Elementary School.

* Senior Chief Petty Officer Sheldon Willis, Valdosta High School.