On her 40th and final year of teacher Polk School District has named Dr. Dorothy Welch its system wide teacher of the year.

Welch was honored at the PSD board meeting Tuesday night by Superintendent Dr. Katie Thomas.

“I think all teachers should be honored in every way possible because we are the lifeblood of the school system,” Dr. Welch said. “I am so honored to be up here with all these lovely, lovely women. I know that when I leave, I always wanted to leave the world a better place. I know these ladies are certainly going to leave the world a better place, like many of us have here.”

Welch is an 8th grade math teacher at Cedartown Middle.

The moment was even sweeter for Welch following a heath scare last year that nearly took her life.  Welch spent months in a coma in spring of 2020 before returning to teach online from home last school year.  She returned to the classroom in August this year for her final as a classroom teacher.

Teachers also honored this year included Angie Shuman at Cedartown High, Heather Cain at Cherokee Elementary, Lolethia Moreland Tuggle at Eastside Elementary, Kelly Bentley at Northside Elementary, Brandy Henderson at the Polk County College and Career Academy, Lindsey Campbell at Rockmart High, Kerri Earwood at Rockmart Middle, Kale Benefield at Van Wert Elementary, Brook Swan at Westside, and Gentry Sanford representing Youngs Grove Elementary.