Augusta City Celebrates Local Teachers Honored as District Teachers of the Year!
In exciting news for the Augusta community, two passionate educators have recently been recognized as Teachers of the Year for their respective school districts! Laquandra Staley, from the Richmond County School District, and Tabitha Purvis, from the Columbia County Board of Education, have both made significant impacts in their classrooms and are now gearing up for the even bigger challenge of the Georgia State Teacher of the Year competition this spring.
Meet Laquandra Staley: The Heart of C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School
Laquandra Staley hails from Harlem and is celebrating her twelfth year of teaching in Richmond County. She currently teaches second grade at C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School. Not only is she dedicated to her students, but she also contributes to the school by serving on the instructional leadership team and leading as the school’s cheerleading coach.
Staley expresses her passion for teaching through her heartfelt words: “The moment that I can unlock something that a student was struggling with, that’s the most rewarding part of my job.” This drive to help her students excel is clear, and it’s evident that her students greatly benefit from her dedication.
Shocking Recognition for Tabitha Purvis
The other winner, Tabitha Purvis, is a quadruple Jag – attending Augusta University for her education – and comes from nearby McDuffie County. With a rich teaching background spanning nearly two decades, Purvis has taught first, third, and fifth grades. Currently, she’s inspiring her fifth graders with fascinating lessons in math and science at Euchee Creek Elementary.
When notified of her award, Purvis was “overwhelmingly shocked.” She admitted, “It’s taken some time for it to really sink in.” For her, receiving the title didn’t come from any extraordinary actions; she believes that teaching is simply her calling. “You do what you do every day as a teacher, never looking to get any recognition or accolades,” she said. Her spirit truly shines through as she emphasizes that her colleagues deemed her deserving enough to showcase as their Teacher of the Year.
Rewarding Moments in the Classroom
One of Purvis’ rewards for her success was a brand-new car! However, if you ask her, the most rewarding experience comes from hearing back from former students. “I won a car, but I would give that up every single day for some of these emails and messages I received from kids,” she said. Those heartwarming messages remind her of how she has made a lasting impact on her students’ lives.
A Proclamation of Educational Excellence
Both Staley and Purvis’ achievements stand as a powerful testament to the hard work and commitment that Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development imparts on its students. Judi Wilson, PhD, the dean of COEHD, proudly shared her thoughts, stating, “It is such a joy to have COEHD alumni representing our two largest school systems as their District Teacher of the Year.” It’s a celebration not just for the teachers but for the entire educational community in Augusta!
A Bright Future Ahead
Both Staley and Purvis will soon be competing at the state level for the prestigious Georgia State Teacher of the Year title. Regardless of who wins, it’s important to recognize the profound difference these educators have already made in their students’ and communities’ lives. They embody the values and commitment of Augusta University, inspiring our future generation with their dedication to teaching.
As they leap forward into this next phase of their teaching journey, let’s rally together to celebrate and support these outstanding individuals who are making a positive change, one child at a time!
