Ryan Adams planned a career as a veterinarian, but once he got classroom experience, he realized that teaching was the obvious choice for him.

The Alexander High science teacher was named 2009-2010 Douglas County Teacher of the Year (TOY) at a 4:30 p.m. Thursday ceremony at First Baptist Church of Douglasville auditorium. He will compete next spring for Georgia Teacher of the Year.

“This teacher is exciting, motivating, inspiring and strongly believes in the teaching profession,” said School Superintendent Don Remillard in his award presentation. “This teacher is an encouragement to students and teachers alike.”

In their selection of Adams, the judges praised his control of the classroom and how his students are inspired and enthusiastic when Adams walks into the classroom.

The other two finalists for the top teaching award included Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tracy Moore, an ESOL (English as second language) teacher at Beulah Elementary, and Middle School Teacher of the Year Angela Haynes, special education teacher at Chapel Hill Middle School.

The three semi-finalists included: Thomas Bruno, third grade, South Douglas Elementary, Ashleigh Smith, special education, Yeager Middle, and Swati Shah, math teacher, Chapel Hill High.

Adams has taught at Alexander High since 2004, teaching biology, AP (advanced placement) biology, human anatomy and physiology.

He holds an undergraduate degree in animal science and a master’s degree in secondary science education from University of Florida, and an education specialist degree in media, instructional technology, from the University of West Georgia.

“I use my animal experience to bring science to life in my classroom,” Adams said in his TOY application. “Using animals in my classroom helps students better understand science and gives them positive and memorable experiences.”

Remillard recognized two previous Douglas County Teachers of the Year who went on to become Georgia Teachers of the Year. They are Jean Carolyn Williams, 1987-88, retired principal from Beulah Elementary, and Pam Walker, 2006-07, instructional coach and former science teacher at Alexander High.

Judges included Derren Burse, MembersFirst Credit Union; Jonathan Cook, 2008-09 Teacher of the Year; Mike Kastensmidt, Wal-Mart, Thornton Road; Lisa Lonon, GreyStone Power Corporation; Shelia Nesbitt, 2008-2009 Elementary Teacher of the Year; Greg Nix, Chick-fil-A, Thornton Road; Myron Terry, 2008-2009 Douglas County and Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Barbara Williams, Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA).

Jimmy Bartlett, chairman of the Douglas County Board of Education, delivered opening remarks and helped present the awards.