Educator from Macon's Georgia Academy for the Blind finalist for 2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year

A teacher from the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon has been named a finalist for the 2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Lauren Eckman, English language arts teacher at the school, was among the 10 finalists chosen from 150 applicants who were selected as the Teacher of the Year in their school districts, according to a news release from the Georgia Department of Education. The Georgia Academy for the Blind is a state school.

"I congratulate our 10 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists and those who applied,” state school Superintendent John Barge said in the news release. “We have always had a very impressive group of teachers make the top 10, and I know this year will be no different."

To determine the Georgia Teacher of the Year, a panel of judges will conduct video observations and interview the finalists. Finalists also will speak at a luncheon in May. The winner will be announced at a banquet June 1 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, the news release states.

Last year, that honor went to Jadun McCarthy of Northeast High School in Macon.

The winner will go on to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

According to the news release, the nine other 2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists (listed by teacher, subject, system and school) are:

Elisha R. Gray, Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Atlanta Public Schools, Maynard Holbrook Jackson High

Charles Trader, Mathematics, Camden County, Saint Marys Middle

Jaslyn Dukes, Reading, Douglas County, J.W. Stewart Middle

Alana Ellenburg, High School 101 & First Aid/Safety, Floyd County, Pepperell High

Shelby Ann Steinhauer, French, Fulton County, Milton High

Sara Taylor, Pre-K Self-contained Special Education, Liberty County, Liberty County Pre-K Center

Andy Felt, Journalism, Chemistry & Physical Science, Madison County, Madison County High

Allison Konter, AP United States Government & Politics, Government, Psychology and Sociology, Savannah-Chatham, Islands High

Billie Jo Diehl, Social Studies and Social Skills, White County, White County Intermediate School

This story was originally published March 1, 2012 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Educator from Macon's Georgia Academy for the Blind finalist for 2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year."