Houston County School District looks forward to ‘Leading the Way,’ names Teacher of the Year

WARNER ROBINS — With a theme of “Leading the Way,” the Houston County School District kicked off the start of the school year with a celebration at Southside Baptist Church on July 24.

Among the festivities were accolades for the staff and teachers who work in the classroom and behind the scenes to ensure Houston County children receive a quality education. The district predicted around 2,500 in attendance at the opening session.

Praise for Support Person of the Year followed remarks from outgoing Teacher of the Year Jessica Hawk. She opened by thanking the board of education, her family, and fellow educators at Bonaire Primary School. 

She also emphasized the crucial role educators play in students’ lives.

“What we do each day to pour into the lives and the relationships of our students means so much. We have the privilege and responsibility of nurturing these young minds, igniting curiosity and fostering a love for learning in our students. Each day is the chance to make a difference, to be the guiding light for our students as they navigate their educational journey,” she said.

The district recognized five support staff finalists on a district and school level. Annette Pender in the Student Services department was named district-level Support Person of the Year, while Shaw Massey from Mossy Creek Middle School was named school-level Support Person of the Year.

Finalists received prizes valued at nearly $700, and the winners received prizes valued at over $2,800.

For Teacher of the Year, one teacher from each school was recognized on stage, and four finalists were selected: Megan Jones from Veterans High School, Andrea Skipper from Eagle Springs Elementary School, Shannon Ballard from Mossy Creek Middle School and Kaley Hicks from Bonaire Middle School.

Teacher of the Year ultimately went to Jade Thomas, a fourth-grade teacher at Lake Joy Elementary School. According to the school district, Thomas has been teaching for seven years, previously a fifth-grade teacher for Lake Joy Elementary; she also served for eight years in the Marines.

In a video, Thomas said effective teachers need adaptability, passion and ambition.

“I believe that there are several things that every teacher needs to be an effective teacher. The first is adaptability, and just being able to quickly think on your feet and to adjust your practice. The second is always having a high expectation regardless of your student’s ability levels, always knowing that you have to set the bar high and they will reach it,” she said. “And last, being passionate about what you do. If you’re passionate, you’re going to be excited, and your students are going to be excited, and they’re going to want to learn.”

After the announcement, several local leaders and businesses, including State Rep. Shaw Blackmon, HEA Federal Credit Union, the Robins Regional Chamber, Sonny’s BBQ, Robins Financial Credit Union, Gottwals Books and Hughes Honda presented prizes and praised the teachers of the year.

On stage, Thomas thanked God, her family, the board and fellow staff at Lake Joy Elementary. She wished teachers a wonderful school year and reminded them of their purpose.

“At the end of the day, we are here for our students and it takes one teacher just to change the life of a child. And we have to just keep that as our center focus,” she said.

The school-level teachers of the year received prizes valued around $600; the top ten teachers received prizes valued around $700; the finalists received prizes valued around $2,700, and Thomas received prizes valued around $16,000.

Around 60 local businesses donated gifts for the award winners; a full list of sponsors can be found here.

Lists of all Teacher and Support Person of the Year nominees can be found by clicking the 2023-2024 News Releases tab here.