Delta Sigma theta, gifted coordinator at Red Oak Elementary in Stockbridge, Georgia, was named Teacher of the Year for Henry County Schools. The announcement was made during the Teacher of the Year Gala on Thursday, October 24 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. This is a historic accomplishment as she is not only the youngest known HCS District TOTY, but also the first African-American known to win the honor in the district.
Cohen, now the top teacher in the school district, is a 9-year veteran teacher and 4-year veteran in the Henry County School district. She received cash and prizes, including a one-time stipend from the school system of $5,000 and other funds for professional development conferences, totaling over $8,000. Mrs. Cohen will also receive a Proclamation from Mayor Anthony Ford of Stockbridge, Georgia on Monday November 11th to honor her historic accomplishment and the work she does in the community. Finally, she will now move on to represent the school system in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.
The announcement was a surreal experience according to Cohen. She shares that she is still in shock by the news.
“Every day, I try to do my very best to give my kids the absolute best,” said Cohen. “When I began this journey 9-years ago, it was my goal to ensure that all students received a quality education regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Cohen added. “To have my name called for this distinguished honor in front of everyone has been beyond anything I could have imagined. In addition to this being an honor, it is a blessing to represent the students, teachers, and all Henry County Schools personnel. I am proud and humbled to have the opportunity to receive the district's top honor.”
Superintendent Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis shared how important this event is for the school district.
“The Teacher of the Year Gala is truly about celebrating the outstanding teachers in our district for their dedication to the most important job in the world,” said Davis. “The teachers featured tonight and our new Teacher of the Year are important examples of why learning in a Henry County classroom is so special and second to none. We are thrilled to have Janae’ Cohen now move on to represent our district at the state level.”
Cohen is a 2011 graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) and Spring 2009 initiate of the Alpha Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the proud wife of Mr. Enoch Cohen, also a 2011 graduate of NC A&T and Spring 2010 initiate of the Mu Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He serves as an Athletic Director in Hampton, Georgia and was his school’s Teacher of the Year in 2018.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Friday, November 1st 2019 at 7:22PM
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