Dr. Jonathan Patterson, GCPS associate superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Support, says the school district is proud of Dr. Doblar who is the 2018 Gwinnett Teacher of the Year. “We believe he represents the skillful teachers in Gwinnett and in Georgia,” Dr. Patterson said. “Dr. Doblar engages his students in authentic learning experiences where they investigate problems and seek solutions throughout the learning process. When he teaches, the enthusiasm in the room is contagious as students actively engage in meaningful and hands-on learning opportunities. Not only is Dr. Doblar an exemplary teacher, he is an exemplary teammate who works collaboratively with his peers to plan and implement effective and engaging instruction for all students.”
Doblar, who teaches fourth- and fifth-grade mathematics and science, started his 15-year career in education as a long-term substitute teaching high school, followed by a three-year term teaching middle school. After that, he served four years as a college instructor while he worked full time on a PhD, before returning to a Gwinnett classroom as a local school technology coordinator at an elementary school. In 2015, he came full circle, returning to teach at the elementary school he attended as a student.
The submitted state applications were reviewed by a panel, including teachers, past Georgia Teacher of the Year winners and finalists, administrators, community leaders and others. The finalists were chosen based on the strength of their essay responses. Those selected met with a panel of judges for a formal interview and gave speeches during a finalist luncheon April 16. The winner will be announced May 19, 2018.
The 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year will travel around the state and the nation, serving as an ambassador for the teaching profession in Georgia. He or she also will be entered in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
