THOMASVILLE- Jerger Elementary School is proud to recognize Rosie Notaro as the 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year, honoring her passion for early childhood education and her commitment to creating a joyful and nurturing learning environment for every student.

Notaro, who teaches Pre-K, is in her fourth year of teaching—all of which have been at Jerger Elementary. Her teaching journey began in the spring of 2021 when she stepped into a long-term substitute role in Pre-K and instantly found her home.

“My dad was definitely my biggest inspiration for becoming a teacher,” said Notaro. “He was an educator for 49 years, and watching the impact he had on students and the respect he earned as a leader made me want to follow in his footsteps.”

Known for her boundless energy and love for young learners, Notaro finds joy in the excitement each new day brings.

“My favorite part about teaching is that every single day is exciting,” she shared.

One of her most memorable moments came at the end of her very first year in the classroom— seeing the tremendous growth her students had made.

“It was so rewarding to see how much they had grown over the course of the school year,” she said.

Notaro is intentional about building strong relationships with her students and families, recognizing that connection is at the heart of great teaching.

“Being intentional about getting to know your students on a deeper level makes such a difference,” she noted. “A highlight of my workday is always when a former student of mine stops me for a hug in the hallway.”

Jerger Elementary Principal Emily Newman shared her admiration for Notaro’s impact on the school community.

“I am pleased to recognize our Teacher of the Year, Rosie Notaro, for her exceptional contributions to education,” she said. “Rosie has a unique commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and inspiring students and peers to be the best version of themselves. Jerger’s staff is fortunate to have the example of Rosie and many others who consistently and passionately approach each day with enthusiasm for teaching and learning.”

Being selected as Teacher of the Year is a humbling honor for Notaro.

“It means the world to me to know that coworkers I look up to and respect so much selected me for this honor,” Notaro said. “I am very humbled to represent my amazing school as their Teacher of the Year.”

Thomasville City Schools congratulates Notaro for her well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the lasting impact she makes on her students and school each day.