Austin Road Middle School Educator Named HCS 2026 Teacher of the Year

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Austin Road Middle School math teacher Tierra Rodgers is Henry County Schools’ 2026 Teacher of the Year (TOTY).

Superintendent Dr. John Pace III made the announcement during Henry County Schools’ annual Teacher of the Year ceremony on Sept. 24 at the McDonough Performing Arts Center.

Rodgers thanked her administrators, coworkers, family, God, and her students.

“I don’t believe I’m standing here because I figured everything out,” she said. “I make mistakes. I have lessons that sometimes don’t go my way, but I feel like I’m willing to learn from my mistakes every day. … Maybe that’s what brought me here.”

School board members, district and school leaders, 2025 Henry County Schools Teacher of the Year Jenny Morgan, and guests of the honorees joined Dr. Pace for the district’s largest celebration of teachers.

“Like their peers, these Teachers of the Year entered this most noble and honorable profession to serve others and make a positive impact on the world,” Pace said. “But even among our thousands of illustrious teachers, the group we are honoring tonight has proven to be extraordinary, setting an aspirational example for the rest.”

Rodgers’ instructional expertise, leadership among colleagues, unwavering commitment to students, and proven ability to improve outcomes helped her secure the award.

“I just always wanted to be a teacher that would impact students’ lives, that could change their lives,” she said. “Also, I love math a lot, and I didn’t understand why everybody else didn’t love math.”

When Rodgers began teaching Algebra I at Austin Road Middle School, around 46% of students were achieving proficiency or higher on state assessments. Since she joined the eighth grade team, Algebra I proficiency has increased to 97%, and proficiency in eighth grade math has doubled. She received Georgia’s Master of Mathematics Award in 2024, recognizing significant student growth.

“What makes Ms. Rodgers truly exceptional is her ability to build meaningful relationships with students while maintaining the highest expectations for their learning and growth,” Austin Road Middle School Assistant Principal Ashlee Wrighton said. “Students enter her classroom knowing they are valued, supported, and capable of achieving greatness. Through her positive demeanor, genuine care, and consistent encouragement, she creates a learning environment where students feel safe to take academic risks, develop confidence, and thrive both academically and personally. She understands that student success begins with strong relationships, and her impact on students extends far beyond mathematics.”

Rodgers is dedicated to creating engaging and academically challenging learning experiences that inspire students to think critically, persevere through challenges, and develop confidence in their abilities.

To her students, past and present, she said, “Thank you. You have taught me just as much as I could ever hope to teach you. You are the reason I continue learning, growing, trying again, and showing up every day.”

Rodgers fosters positive relationships with students and their families, communicating high expectations while celebrating accomplishments. She shows leadership by sharing her expertise and mentoring colleagues. She goes above and beyond to support students in need, and her cheerful personality brings joy to Austin Road Middle School.

“I just want teachers to know you don’t have to be perfect,” Rodgers said. “I don’t feel like I’m a perfect teacher, but I do my best and I care for my students, and I come to work every day with a mindset of: Just be the change you want to see in people’s lives.”

Rodgers, the Middle School Teacher of the Year, was one of three finalists for the district award. At the ceremony, HCS named the other two finalists, representing elementary and high schools.

The district’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Valri Ford, who taught English for Speakers of Other Languages at Red Oak Elementary School before being promoted this year to an instructional support role at the district level.

The High School Teacher of the Year is Lt. Ohmahr Fleming, a Navy JROTC teacher at Luella High School.

Georgia United Credit Union, the event’s premier sponsor, presented Rodgers, Lt. Fleming, and Ford with monetary prizes.

Other sponsors included the Henry County Public Schools Foundation, The Southern Credit Union, Queen Bee Coffee Company, Echo Park Speedway, The Henry Players Community Theatre, T&T Meats, Great American Cookies, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Chick-fil-A’s Lake Dow location, PDQ Auto Repair & Fast Lube, and Southern Belle Farm.

Below is the complete list of all the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year.

Elementary Schools

• Tonishia Davenport, Austin Road Elementary School
• Tiffany Early, Bethlehem Elementary School
• Sharita Armstrong, Birch Creek Elementary School
• Melinda Dennis-Gilbert, Cotton Indian Elementary School
• Harriet Steed, Dutchtown Elementary School
• Staci Stimmel, East Lake Elementary School
• Kirstie Ridore, Fairview Elementary School
• Onita Buhai, Flippen Elementary School
• Jordan Malone, Hampton Elementary School
• Jessica Hall, Hickory Flat Elementary School
• Tashica Zackery, Locust Grove Elementary School
• Renita Ram, Luella Elementary School
• Michelle Cannon, Mt. Carmel Elementary School
• Tasia Travicks, Oakland Elementary School
• Ashley Davis, Ola Elementary School
• Major Wilkerson, Pate’s Creek Elementary School
• Marcia Barker, Pleasant Grove Elementary School
• Kirstine Rushing, Rock Spring Elementary School
• Anne Fisher, Rocky Creek Elementary School
• Mimi Williams, Smith-Barnes Elementary School
• Deborah Holley, Stockbridge Elementary School
• Ann-Marie Henry, Timber Ridge Elementary School
• Cyndy Cruz, Tussahaw Elementary School
• Jodi Combs, Union Grove Elementary School
• Rebecca Capps, Walnut Creek Elementary School
• Folake Aiyeyomi, Wesley Lakes Elementary School
• Megan Arreola, Woodland Elementary School
• Tina Buchanan, New Hope Elementary School (semifinalist)
• Valri Ford, Red Oak Elementary School (finalist)

Middle Schools

• Tori Williams, Dutchtown Middle School
• Wyatt Lowe, Eagle’s Landing Middle School
• LaWanda Campbell, Hampton Middle School
• Katie Peters, Impact Academy
• Marlin Foster, Locust Grove Middle School
• Charita Richardson, Luella Middle School
• Jauselyn Wolverton, McDonough Middle School
• Keith Broughton, Stockbridge Middle School
• Karen Hunley, Union Grove Middle School
• Eleafea Middleton, Woodland Middle School
• Zachary Barfield, Ola Middle School (semifinalist)
• Tierra Rodgers, Austin Road Middle School (finalist and district Teacher of the Year)

High Schools and Academies

• Emily Robinson, Academy for Advanced Studies
• Carlotta Taylor, Eagle’s Landing High School
• Olivia Hicks, Excel Academy
• Caitlin Collins, Hampton High School
• Deidre Mirand, Impact Academy
• Darren Buckley, JB Henderson Center
• Matthew Bell, Locust Grove High School
• Bridgette Presley, McDonough High School
• Kyle McCreary, Ola High School
• Rasaan Rohan, Stockbridge High School
• Scott Wade, Union Grove High School
• Kelly Vigon, Woodland High School
• Dr. Nikkia Whitley, Dutchtown High School (semifinalist)
• Lt. Ohmahr Fleming, Luella High School (finalist)