Celebrations in Augusta for Local Teachers of the Year

Celebrations in Augusta for Local Teachers of the Year

In the bustling city of Augusta, educators are basking in the glow of recognition as two remarkable alumni from Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development have been awarded the prestigious title of Teachers of the Year for Richmond and Columbia counties! Laquandra Staley, a passionate second-grade teacher, was honored by the Richmond County School District, while Tabitha Purvis, an inspiring fifth-grade educator, received the accolade from the Columbia County Board of Education School District.

Spotlighting Excellence in Education

These awards celebrate outstanding teachers in each district, recognizing just how special they are among a field filled with talented colleagues. Many people don’t realize that these winners don’t just get a shiny award; their schools will compete for the title of Georgia’s State Teacher of the Year, with the ultimate winner announced in a grand ceremony come spring.

Meet Laquandra Staley

Laquandra Staley hails from the charming town of Harlem, Georgia, and she’s putting down roots in Richmond County, where she is now in her twelfth year of teaching at C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School. This year, she is leading a vibrant second-grade classroom and belongs to the school’s instructional leadership team. You could also catch her on the sidelines as the cheerleading coach!

Laquandra radiates enthusiasm for her job, saying, “The moment that I can unlock something that a student was struggling with, that’s the most rewarding part of my job. It’s what drives me to push my students to be the best they can be.” How’s that for motivation?

A Look at Tabitha Purvis

Just a stone’s throw away, we have Tabitha Purvis, an alumna with quite a pedigree — a quadruple Jag! Originally from McDuffie County, Tabitha boasts an impressive 19 years of teaching experience. While she has explored various grades, she currently dazzles her fifth-grade students at Euchee Creek Elementary with her mastery of math and science.

When Tabitha received the news about her award, she was completely taken aback. “I was overwhelmingly shocked. It’s taken some time for it to really sink in,” she shared. Even though it might seem like a big deal to the rest of us, she humbly noted, “It’s definitely an honor to be recognized, but it’s a strange feeling to me because I don’t feel like I did anything different than what I normally do.” Talk about a humble hero!

A Heartwarming Moment

The surprise package didn’t stop with the award; part of her recognition included a car! But if you ask her, the whispers from her past students are far more valuable. “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 fondly. It’s these memories that fuel her passion, recalling how former students reminisce about the way they felt in her classroom. Now, that’s what we call a lasting impact!

Backing from Augusta University

The achievements of Staley and Purvis echo the dedication of Augusta University and its commitment to fostering educators who are equipped to change lives. Judi Wilson, PhD, the dean of the College of Education and Human Development, proudly stated, “Both individuals represent our institutional values and are true difference-makers.”

Looking Ahead

So what’s next for these exceptional teachers? With their sights set on Georgia’s State Teacher of the Year competition this spring, they’re already making waves in their community. No matter the outcome, Staley and Purvis have made an indelible mark on their schools and beyond, reminding us all that teachers truly change lives—one unforgettable student moment at a time.

Stay tuned, Augusta! We can’t wait to see what these remarkable educators accomplish next!