THOMASVILLE- Justin Amaro was selected as Teacher of the Year for Thomas County Central High School, an honor recognizing his dedication to student success and passion for education. Amaro, who has been with Thomas County Schools for three years, teaches AP Government and Politics to freshmen and AP Micro/Macroeconomics to juniors and seniors.

His journey to the classroom began with a love of history and economics, inspired by influential teachers throughout his education.

“I started as a finance major in college and discovered my love of history (while maintaining a love of economics and business) through a series of captivating history professors,” Amaro said. “I had some influential teachers in high school who ultimately led me to teaching as well. I decided I wanted to impact students the way my teachers had impacted me. I also had teachers in my family who inspired my decision.”

Amaro’s teaching philosophy centers on making connections between classroom concepts and real-world applications.

“It is crucial that students see a direct impact of economic policies or governmental structure on their communities, careers, and financial or political decisions,” he explained.

Beyond academics, Amaro appreciates the unique environment at TCCHS, where both students and faculty thrive.

“TCCHS has an incredible culture where colleagues enjoy being around each other, unified in a common mission,” he said. “Students have numerous activities and extracurricular interests they can pursue, and the administrative staff is very supportive of new ideas or programs that might further enrich the academic experience for students.”

When Amaro learned he had been selected as TCCHS Teacher of the Year, he was caught completely off guard.

“I was very surprised, to say the least,” he recalled. “I am incredibly humbled that my colleagues thought enough of me to nominate me in the first place, and I’m trying to respect that by representing the school, the staff, and our students as best I can.”

Amaro believes teaching is about planting seeds—some that sprout quickly and others that take time. However, seeing the long-term impact he has on his students is the most rewarding aspect of his career.

“The best recognitions I’ve gotten are not necessarily accolades like this (although it is a tremendous honor), but the letters, notes, or messages from former students sharing a moment, a lesson, or even a phrase that still resonates with them,” Amaro said. “Knowing that the encouragement I gave them led to a career choice, a life decision, or a character trait they now embrace is a priceless reward.”

To make learning meaningful, Amaro integrates real-world connections into his daily instruction.

“There is no shortage of events in government, politics, or the economy that relate directly to what we are studying in class,” he explained. “Beyond the classroom, I try to provide students with opportunities to experience what we learn through educational trips. These allow them to simulate what it’s like to serve as a member of the state legislature, a local government leader, or a national security committee member.”

For Amaro, success is defined by the achievements of his students.

“When they go on to accomplish great things, positively impact others, or make a mark in their careers and communities—especially if something they learned in my class played a role—that’s what I consider a success,” he said. “I keep up with many of my former students, and seeing the lives they live now makes me feel the most successful.”

Amaro is dedicated to supporting students who may be struggling, whether academically or personally.

“I try to make myself as available as possible,” he said. “Students often come to my classroom before or after school, during my planning, or reach out via email when they need extra help. This gives me the chance to have in-depth conversations, pinpoint where their struggles are, and adjust my teaching methods if needed.”

Beyond academics, Amaro strives to be an approachable mentor for his students.

“I find that students come back to me for advice even after they’ve left my class, which shows me they know I care about their success beyond just their time in my classroom,” he said. “It’s important to maintain that ‘open-door policy’ because you never know how much of an impact you’re making on a student’s life.”

Collaboration and teamwork also play a vital role in Amaro’s teaching philosophy.

“I am fortunate to work alongside amazing educators who are also incredible people,” he said. “A strong collaborative atmosphere is essential in a school. Students can sense when their teachers genuinely enjoy working together, and that positivity trickles into the classroom, creating a safer, more engaging, and more productive learning environment.”

Looking ahead, Amaro is focused on strengthening the programs available to students at TCCHS, particularly the MERIT and AP programs.

“My goal is to find new ways to enhance the opportunities we provide,” he said. “These programs are the best of their kind in the area and have had a tremendously positive impact on students, our school, and our system. I firmly believe that in education, if you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward—there’s no such thing as maintaining the status quo.”

Amaro hopes that the success of these programs will serve as a model for other school systems across the state.

“We shouldn’t be a well-kept secret,” he said. “Just as so many students have benefited from the tireless work of educators here, our approach should be shared beyond our system to help students everywhere.”

Before joining TCCHS, Amaro taught AP World History, AP European History, and Economics at Cairo High School in Grady County. He later transitioned into administration, serving as an Assistant Principal at both Whigham School and Washington Middle School before making the move to Thomas County Central High School.

Amaro holds a Bachelor of Science in History Education from Troy University, a Master of Science in Foundations of Adult Education from Troy University, and has completed doctoral-level coursework in Educational Leadership at Valdosta State University.