Originally Posted: Sept. 30, 2025

West Jackson Elementary School's Teresa Swaim has been named the Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year. Swaim was presented with the award during a surprise announcement at WJES on Tuesday morning in Hoschton. 

Swaim, who has been named a finalist for the Pre-K Teacher of the Year three times in her career, has been employed with the Jackson County School System since 2006. She has served as a Pre-K teacher at West Jackson Elementary School since 2012.

The Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year award celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional Pre-K teachers. The Pre-K Teacher of the Year serves for one year as an ambassador for Georgia's Pre-K program.