Georgia Department of Education

April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, allowing us to recognize and honor the service of Georgia’s youngest heroes for their daily sacrifices and the challenges they overcome. Georgia has more than 35,890 military-connected students. Purple Up for Military Kids is a day for communities to wear purple, show support, and thank military children for their strength. Purple symbolizes all military branches because it combines Army green, Marine red, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy blue.

Encourage your school communities to support the annual PURPLE UP DAY to celebrate military kids by
wearing purple on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Share your Month of the Military Child activities with us using , and share your Purple Up photos using !

State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced today that the Georgia Department of Education is recognizing 145 graduating seniors across the state as 2025 Georgia Scholars. Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.

“Congratulations to the 145 outstanding students honored as Georgia Scholars this year!” Superintendent Woods said. “This prestigious recognition identifies students who go above and beyond in all aspects of life – both within the school walls and in the community. I wish them great success in their futures and can’t wait to see the impact they make on our state, nation, and world.”

See the list of Georgia Scholars at https://url.gadoe.org/88jyb.

We have officially named all ten finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year! Congratulations to these incredible educators. Learn more about them here: https://gadoe.org/press-releases/2026-georgia-teacher-of-the-year-finalists-announced/

Dr. Jenny Ritchotte teaches English language arts to sixth graders at Camden Middle School in Kingsland. She is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Dr. Ritchotte this morning to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Dr. Ritchotte strives to see potential in every student she teaches, understand what they need to be successful, teach them using differentiated and personalized learning strategies, challenge them with appropriate scaffolds, and advocate for a whole-child approach to instruction in collaboration with caregivers, beyond the walls of her classroom.

Dr. Richotte holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and a Masters in English and Communications Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education with a Gifted Education emphasis from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Throughout March, we stopped by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Scroll through our past posts to meet the other nine finalists!

Mrs. Jade Thomas teaches social studies and English language arts to fourth graders at Lake Joy Elementary School. She is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Thomas this morning to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Mrs. Thomas prioritizes creating a classroom environment where students are welcomed, loved,
and fully engaged in learning every day. She served as an active-duty Marine from 2007 to 2015, and her military experiences led her to become a co-founder of the school’s Military Kids Club.

Mrs. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Niagara University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education from Liberty University, and a Specialist in Education with an endorsement in English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) from Mercer University.

Throughout March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Mrs. Tracey Woodcock teaches biology and environmental science at Lee County High School's Ninth Grade Campus and is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Woodcock this morning to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Mrs. Woodcock prioritizes student-centered, phenomenon-based learning, encouraging curiosity and real-world connections. She fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving through active exploration. Mrs. Woodcock empowers students to participate actively in their education, promoting academic and personal development.

Mrs. Woodcock earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Saint Joseph. She is pursuing An Education Specialist in Secondary and Middle Grades Education from Kennesaw State University and has applied to bridge to the university’s doctoral program.

Throughout March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Mrs. Laura Ray teaches math, science, and social studies to fifth graders at Berrien Elementary School. She is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Ray this morning to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Mrs. Ray is dedicated to student success and works one-on-one with her students, helping them reach their full academic potential. Her passion for discovering new ideas and strategies to enhance student achievement motivates her to grow as an educator continuously. She finds inspiration in her students' progress and success, driving her to challenge them toward excellence and leave a lasting impact on their academic journeys.

Mrs. Ray earned an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Military College and completed her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Georgia Southwestern State University. She serves in a leadership role as the grade five math department chair.

Throughout March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Ms. Brandi Neal teaches piano and chorus to students in grades 9-12 at McDonough High School and is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Ms. Neal this morning to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Ms. Neal emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and self-confidence in her students. In addition to her teaching role, she serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair, Student Support Team Co-Chair, Literary Coach, and Head Swim Coach at McDonough High School. Ms. Neal is also part of the McDonough High School Inaugural Coaching Cohort, working with colleagues to enhance leadership and student engagement.

Ms. Neal earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethune-Cookman University and is pursuing a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from Columbus State University. She recently joined the Henry County Schools Additional Support for People Inspired to Reach Excellence (ASPIRE) Leadership Program.

Throughout March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Mrs. Beth Taylor is the K-5 gifted education teacher at Varnell Elementary School in Dalton and is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Taylor this afternoon to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Mrs. Taylor is a passionate and innovative teacher dedicated to student success. She aims to understand each child’s unique needs and create an environment where students feel inspired to explore their interests. She meets her students where they are and builds on their strengths.

Mrs. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Lee University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Education Specialist degree with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from Lee University.

Throughout March, we’ll stop by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Mrs. Christie Akers teaches AP Seminar, AP Research, and Methodology at Northside High School in the Muscogee County School District. She is one of the 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year!
Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Akers this afternoon to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

In her classroom, Akers aims to show each of her students that they are welcomed, listened to, and loved because it is vital to creating a culture of kindness and empathy. She strives to balance academically challenging instruction with a learning environment where students are safe to make mistakes.

Mrs. Akers holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Secondary English Language Arts Education from Columbus State University, and a Teacher Leadership Education Specialist degree from Valdosta State University. She mentors new teachers as the Lead Teacher Support Coach at Northside High School.

Throughout March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Dr. Charles Garner, an 11th- and 12th-grade mathematics teacher at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology in Conyers, is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award!

Superintendent Woods surprised Dr. Garner this afternoon in his classroom to let him know he’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, he will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Dr. Garner believes every student should have a positive experience in every classroom. He advocates for creating and maintaining positive, enriching, and safe classroom spaces. He has developed a unit about the basics of personal finance so students can experience that mathematics is everywhere in the real world.

Dr. Garner earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics from the University of Johannesburg. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Throughout March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Mrs. Kimberly Brown Moody, an 11th-grade Advanced Placement Language and Composition and 12th-grade Multicultural Literature and Composition teacher at Newton College and Career Academy in Covington, is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year!

Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Brown Moody this morning in her classroom to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

Mrs. Brown Moody’s commitment to literacy and student-centered learning empowers students to envision and achieve futures they may not have yet imagined. Her students excel academically and in competitions, earning honors such as Youth of the Year for the county.

Mrs. Brown Moody holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Teaching in English Education from the University of Georgia and is nearing completion of a Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership at Valdosta State University.

Throughout the month of March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Mrs. Rachel Kinsaul, an agricultural CTAE teacher at Morgan County High School, is one of the 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year!

Superintendent Woods surprised Mrs. Kinsaul this morning to let her know she’s been selected as a finalist. Along with the other nine finalists, she will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Teacher of the Year is selected.

As an agricultural educator, Mrs. Kinsaul believes that preparing her students to be productive community members is her most important job. She focuses her efforts on pushing students to find the best versions of themselves by becoming community leaders through agricultural education.

Mrs. Kinsaul holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia and was recently named the 2025 College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Alumni. Additionally, she received a 2025 Milken Education Award, known as the “Oscar of Teaching.”

Throughout the month of March, we’ll be stopping by every finalist’s school to surprise them with the news that they’re in the top ten. Stay tuned – we’ll post here as each teacher is recognized.

Attention Georgia High School Seniors:

It's not too late to apply for the 2025 Georgia Scholar Program - the application window closes on March 1. Georgia public—and private-school seniors who meet the program's criteria are eligible to apply.

Through the Georgia Scholar program, GaDOE recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in both school and community life. Awardees will receive a diploma seal and, new this year, a graduation cord. Please note that this is a recognition-only program and does not provide scholarship funds.
Remember: Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025. don't delay, start yours today!

Application: https://gadoesa.jotform.com/.../excell.../2025GeorgiaScholar

State Board of Education Member Nick Ellis, who represents the 1st Congressional District – will be at Liberty County Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 6, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Mr. Ellis is hosting a public hearing to hear comments from interested citizens and educators within the congressional district regarding K-12 public education. All residents of the 1st District are invited to attend.

Click here for additional information: https://url.gadoe.org/yh1di