Burnette published "Daily Grammar Practice" for grades 1-12 in 2004. She has since added a college-level program and a book of writing strategies to the collection.

"Since its publication, the book has helped students in 41 states and six foreign countries to improve in an area of language arts that has daunted them for years. As its influence continues to grow, it pleases me greatly to know that my work is impacting millions of students whom I have never even met," said Burnette.

O'Shields has come a long way as a teacher from her first classroom of baby dolls and teddy bears. She still checks attendance, passes out papers and circulates among her students' desks to help solve problems, but now she is doing more than teaching, she is reaching out to provide a welcome place for teenagers to learn and become successful.

"I think I have had a chalkboard and grade book almost my entire life," said O'Shields.

Surrounded by friends and family who were teachers, she saw how their roles enabled them to reach out and serve others. Her desire to work at the secondary level developed during high school. She gives credit to two teachers, one who exemplified what a good teacher is and the other who demonstrated what one is not.

The first teacher, whom O'Shields prefers not to name, presented material in a monotone voice, did not welcome questions and stirred thoughts in her head that she could not do math.

Fortunately, another teacher, Lynn Brinson, followed. She showed O'Shields she could do math, it could be fun, and most importantly, that teachers do care about and have an interest in the well-being of their students.

"You felt welcome in her class and she was able to instill desire in each of her students to work and do their best. I chose to become a math teacher because the world needed more Mrs. Brinsons, and I knew I could be one. She is still the teacher I desire to be," said O'Shields.

Working with teenagers can be challenging but O'Shields said the key is getting into their heads, relating to their interests and sometimes tricking them into learning. Some of her favorite contributions to education include two math raps that came to her over several sleepless nights and the "Geometurkey" coloring activity she developed and uses around Thanksgiving.

"It is important to remember that no matter what age they may be, students will always learn best when some sort of fun is involved. And no matter what their size, it is important to remember that they are still kids at heart - just like good teachers," she said.

O'Shields' math raps and Geometurkey have been used to train other teachers throughout Fayette and the state. She said she feels accomplished when other teachers come to her for ideas, when the county invites her to rewrite curriculums as they have many times and when her teaching inventions are being used by teachers throughout Georgia.

"These accomplishments suggest that others must see in me the teacher that I strive to be. I think Mrs. Brinson would be proud."

The three finalists were selected from 29 teachers of the year representing each school. The faculty at each school selects their teacher of the year who then goes through an application process similar to the one used for the Georgia Teacher of the Year program.

A group of independent judges made up of community leaders and retired educators read the applications and choose three finalists.

The judges will observe the three finalists in their classrooms as well as conduct face-to-face interviews with each teacher. The highest scoring finalist will be named Fayette's 2005 TOTY during a special recognition program April 21. The winner will automatically compete for the 2006 Georgia TOTY title next spring.