Henry County Schools to Crown 2025 Teacher of the Year Among Six Semifinalists

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools recently named the six semifinalists in the running for the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year (TOTY) title and will announce the winner on Oct. 2 in a special ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center.

The TOTYs represent the district’s largest celebration of teachers, recognizing the best of the best among elementary, middle, and high school teachers across HCS.

“The TOTYs were my first district event after becoming superintendent of Henry County Schools last September,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “I was inspired by the commitment to recognizing and promoting teaching excellence, and most of all, to celebrating teachers who are the backbone of all we do at Henry County Schools. I will always maintain that the teachers are heroes for wholeheartedly embracing a role that, while challenging, is among the most noble and honorable professions. I applaud their commitment to changing lives and helping to ensure bright futures begin in Henry County Schools. Congratulations to our outstanding semifinalists.”

The path to naming the district TOTY unfolds over several months, beginning with schools across the district naming their Teachers of the Year – those dedicated educators who have gone above and beyond in serving their school and community.

A cross-divisional committee of HCS leaders observing rigorous criteria evaluated 54 exceptional school-level TOTYs, narrowing the field to the following six semifinalists, whose names and titled are accompanied by testimonials from school leaders regarding the factors that inspired their selection:

“Dr. Fay Willis is the definition of an exceptional educator. After retiring, she returned to the classroom with the same passion and energy that inspired countless students before, proving that teaching is more than a profession – it is a calling. Math comes alive in her classroom, and her extensive knowledge and ability to inspire students set her apart. Her students are actively engaged, eager to learn, and motivated by her genuine enthusiasm. Beyond her impact on students, Dr. Willis is a true leader among her colleagues. She has cultivated a strong sense of community within her grade level, one that radiates throughout the school and has created a culture that has had a positive impact on her students and colleagues. Dr. Willis is also a mentor, guide, and role model for her peers. She offers wisdom freely, steps up without being asked, and consistently elevates those around her. Her influence can be felt in the culture of Hampton Middle School – in the confidence of her students, in the collaborative nature of her team, and in the spirit of excellence that she embodies each day. She is not only shaping her students’ future, but also strengthening the foundation of our school community.”

“We have the best teachers here in Henry County Schools,” said Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “We are proud to celebrate every teacher in every school across our district. Our students are continuing to learn and grow, and that’s thanks to their hard work. Congratulations to all school TOTYs and our six semifinalists. I cannot wait to see who will emerge as our district Teacher of the Year, symbolizing the high caliber of educators in every HCS classroom.”

Guests and event sponsors will join the Board of Education on Thursday, Oct. 2, as the district names three finalists and ultimately its 2025 Teacher of the Year.

• Dr. Sadereka Evans is a science teacher and chair of the Science Department at Hampton High School.
  
  “Dr. Evans is a dedicated science educator with over a decade of teaching experience and is the embodiment of service, leadership, and excellence. Beyond the classroom, she sponsors multiple student organizations, including Hampton Ladies, STEM Club, National Honor Society, and the flag football team – creating countless opportunities for student growth. She also promotes a sense of school community by hosting a monthly staff luncheon.”
   
• Melissa Ivey is an eighth-grade English Language Arts and reading interventions teacher at Locust Grove Middle School.
  
  “Mrs. Ivey has been one of the most dependable, dedicated, and inspiring educators I have had the pleasure of working alongside. Her commitment to excellence in the classroom is unwavering, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students receive the highest quality education. Her instructional strengths and concern for the well-being of every student truly set her apart. She approaches each day with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to see her students grow academically and as individuals. Her classroom is a place of encouragement, structure, and mutual respect. Mrs. Ivey embodies the spirit of what it means to be an educator, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her classroom.”
   
• Jennifer Morgan is a fourth- and fifth-grade math and science teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary School.
  
  “Mrs. Morgan is an exceptional educator who creates academically challenging and engaging lessons that connect content to real-world issues and inspires students to set and achieve their goals. She builds meaningful relationships with each student and fosters a safe and supportive classroom environment where everyone feels valued. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom to tutoring and extracurricular activities, ensuring all students have access to enriching experiences through field trips and fundraisers. As grade-level chair, she leads with empathy and clarity, providing guidance and support to her team while promoting collaboration and a positive environment. Mrs. Morgan demonstrates a strong commitment to professional growth by actively participating in development opportunities and mentoring colleagues. She maintains effective communication with parents, keeping them informed and involved in their child’s education. Her contributions to the school community enrich the entire school culture. She leads by example and always models kindness, integrity, and dedication.”
  s to be an educator, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her classroom.”
   
• Tara Ott is a gifted teacher at New Hope Elementary School.
  
  “Ms. Ott has a unique ability to recognize and develop talent in all students. She is a gifted support teacher, but her influence extends throughout the building. She has played an integral role in implementing arts integration at New Hope Elementary, partnered with a local organization to deliver professional learning to teachers and arts-integrated instruction to our students, and spearheaded the development of our creative movement curriculum. Ms. Ott is at the core of the curriculum’s success. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and warmth draw students to her. In addition to her work as a teacher, she is an invaluable leader who effectively supports our gifted focus group, ensuring every student participates in appropriately challenging and engaging learning experiences. Ms. Ott’s influence is not limited to NHE, as she serves as a gifted endorsement instructor and has worked with teachers across the district to enhance their understanding of gifted students’ needs. She also oversees student evaluations and communicates with parents, teachers, and our data clerk throughout the gifted identification process. Ms. Ott contributes to the school and district in many ways and builds positive and supportive relationships with students and staff. Her willingness to innovate, enthusiasm for learning, and commitment to students make her an exceptional educator!”
   
• Tiffany Smith is an Exceptional Student Education teacher at Union Grove High School.
  
  “Ms. Smith is kind, giving, selfless, and deeply committed to her students. She is a staple in the Exceptional Student Education self-contained classrooms and the kind of teacher who doesn’t just teach but transforms lives. Her classroom is a place of safety, love, and possibility. Her students know they are seen, heard, and valued. Ms. Smith continues to support them after graduation, mentoring them through life’s challenges. She gives her all to her students, and she does so quietly, without fanfare. Tiffany Smith is a true shining star. Her nomination for Teacher of the Year is not just a celebration of her work – it’s a celebration of who she is.”
   
• Dr. Fay Willis is a sixth-grade math teacher at Hampton Middle School.
  
  “Dr. Fay Willis is the definition of an exceptional educator. After retiring, she returned to the classroom with the same passion and energy that inspired countless students before, proving that teaching is more than a profession – it is a calling. Math comes alive in her classroom, and her extensive knowledge and ability to inspire students set her apart. Her students are actively engaged, eager to learn, and motivated by her genuine enthusiasm. Beyond her impact on students, Dr. Willis is a true leader among her colleagues. She has cultivated a strong sense of community within her grade level, one that radiates throughout the school and has created a culture that has had a positive impact on her students and colleagues. Dr. Willis is also a mentor, guide, and role model for her peers. She offers wisdom freely, steps up without being asked, and consistently elevates those around her. Her influence can be felt in the culture of Hampton Middle School – in the confidence of her students, in the collaborative nature of her team, and in the spirit of excellence that she embodies each day. She is not only shaping her students’ future, but also strengthening the foundation of our school community.”

  “We have the best teachers here in Henry County Schools,” said Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “We are proud to celebrate every teacher in every school across our district. Our students are continuing to learn and grow, and that’s thanks to their hard work. Congratulations to all school TOTYs and our six semifinalists. I cannot wait to see who will emerge as our district Teacher of the Year, symbolizing the high caliber of educators in every HCS classroom.”

  Guests and event sponsors will join the Board of Education on Thursday, Oct. 2, as the district names three finalists and ultimately its 2025 Teacher of the Year.