The annual Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Gala was held Friday, February 21, 2020, at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.  Fifty-five teachers were honored from nearly every school in the District and Cherie Dennis of Hesse K-8 School was named the 2021 Teacher of the Year.

As a representative of the many quality teachers across the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, the District's Teacher of the Year is honored with the distinction of having the Flag of Learning and Liberty proudly displayed at their school. In addition to leading the SCCPSS Professional Senate for Savannah-Chatham educators, the District Teacher of the Year acts an ambassador visiting local schools throughout the year, taking part in school board meetings and representing the district at various events throughout the area.  Cherie Dennis will also continue for consideration in the state-level Teacher of the Year program.

Cherie Dennis is currently in her tenth year of teaching. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, Stanford University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, and Mercer University. Ms. Dennis initially intended to become a Japanese language teacher but landed a career in advertising. However, she knew where her heart has always been. She is presently an ESOL teacher at Hesse K-8 School.