Houston County School District welcomes back teachers, announces teacher of the year during annual opening session

WARNER ROBINS – The Houston County School District welcomed back its educators and staff during its annual Opening Session on Wednesday, July 23, at Southside Baptist Church. Every year, the district introduces a new theme to follow throughout the school year. This year’s theme is “together, we can.” 

The session is an opportunity for the district to share its goals for the 2025-2026 school year with educators, while also acknowledging the achievements made the previous year.

During the session, the district recognized various educators, including Amber Washington, the District Teacher of the Year.

Washington is a fourth-grade teacher at Centerville Elementary School, with 11 years of teaching experience.  

As Washington took over the podium, she thanked God and said it was a testament to His faithfulness to educators. She expressed gratitude to her family for believing in her and allowing her to “play school” at home. 

Washington shared that she is a product of the Houston County School System, saying it is her home. She thanked her past teachers and mentioned each school she attended growing up, including Northside High School. 

“There’s so many people in here that I would like to thank because I feel like I am the educator I am because I have you all as teachers. Thank you and I hope everyone has a really great school year,” she said.

Representatives Shaw Blackmon and Bethany Ballard also spoke during the event. Blackmon said he and Ballard will have a resolution from the General Assembly for Washington to commend her excellence. 

Various sponsors presented Washington and finalists in all categories with checks and additional gifts for their accomplishments. For Washington, this included a Honda Accord to drive to and from school throughout the school year, as well as a $5,000 check from Hughes Honda. 

Overall, Washington received $17,000 worth of gifts for a well-deserved honor of being this year’s teacher of the year. 

Among the top four finalists were Anna Rentz from Bonaire Elementary School, Brooke McKeever from Northside Elementary School, Jake Harvey from Mossy Creek Middle School, and Amy Von Oven from David Perdue Primary School. 

Gifts for each school-level teacher of the year were valued at $500. Finalists also received gifts valued at over $700. 

To view the complete list of each school’s Teacher of the Year, visit the event’s program here.

The District Level Support Person of the Year, Brianna Howard, was also recognized during the session. Howard is in charge of School Operations and is known as the heart of her department. Her nomination form said she is always open to listening, supporting and giving advice to not only the people in her department but the entire district. 

These employees are crucial to maintaining the smooth operation of district programs. 

Other finalists include Araceli Ulmer, Kelli Sikes, Brianna Howard, Catherine Sillence, Claudia McDaniel and Lori Mayfield.

The School Level Support Person, Stephanie Brown, was recognized during the event. Brown is the support person for Thomson Middle School. She is described as going above and beyond to ensure the staff’s needs are met. Her nomination form said her promptness and reliability make her an invaluable asset to Thomson Middle School.

Finalists include Rebecca Wesley with Bonaire Elementary School, Willie Grider with Mossy Creek Middle School and Ruth Ann Alexander with Quail Run Elementary School.

Both the district and school-level support person received checks from the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce and Robins Financial Credit Union. Each finalist received gifts valued at nearly $700. 

This school year is starting a bit different with the district’s new Superintendent Richard Rodgers. After the awards presentation, Rodgers shared his vision for the upcoming school year.

The district has a set of beliefs called the “Houston County Way,” which sets the tone for the district’s culture. This year, Rodgers shared that they added a ninth principal to the beliefs, which emphasizes the power of connection. He said this will nurture relationships in an approachable and collaborative environment. 

Rodgers believes strong teams and meaningful relationships are the heart of a thriving school district. He shared his commitment to the audience, saying, “Together, we can encourage and support one another.” 

Although the state did not provide a raise to educators this year, Rodgers shared that the school board approved a 1% raise for all staff. Additionally, they approved a one-time supplement of $1,000 for all full-time staff.

At the end of his presentation, he expressed his gratitude to teachers for the passion, dedication, and expertise they bring to the classroom and community.

“I am truly inspired by what we can accomplish when we unite around a shared purpose and a belief in one another. Together, we can create a year with meaningful learning, lasting connections and remarkable achievements. Together, [we will] encourage and support one another. Now, let’s make this the best school year ever,” he said. 

For a full look at the event’s program, click here.