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Dutchtown High School Educator Named Henry County Schools 2023 Teacher of the Year

HENRY COUNTY, GA — Henry County Schools (HCS) named Richard Postell of Dutchtown High School the district’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.

HCS made the announcement and honored other standout teachers in a special ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center on Oct. 5, which was fittingly World Teachers’ Day.

“Tonight is a celebration of the champions of Henry County Schools,” said Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis. “Our District Teacher of the Year will be the champion of champions as we win for kids together.”

Postell has demonstrated passion and exemplary leadership throughout his 23 years in the classroom. He has spent a total of eight years in Henry County Schools, including the last seven as a 12th-grade economics and personal finance teacher at Dutchtown High in Hampton.

“Winning gives me an additional responsibility to make sure I’m on point every day,” Postell said. “This award is not just about me. It is about the incredible journey of educating tomorrow’s leaders. I want to dedicate this award to the real stars of the show, my amazing students. You are the reason I wake up every morning with a heart full of passion and purpose. The sense of belonging in this community is unlike any other. It is a place where teachers, parents, and students come together to create a nurturing environment for learning and growing.”

Postell earned the prestigious title for his body of work in the classroom. His solutions-oriented approach to teaching has made him an inspiration to students and colleagues. Using innovative teaching methods, he exposes students to real-life issues, challenges them to examine the world, and helps them develop critical thinking skills.

“Mr. Postell goes above and beyond serving as a teacher leader,” said Principal Nicole Shaw. “He is a senior sponsor and assistant football coach and has served as an economics teacher since his arrival at Dutchtown High School. He builds relationships with all stakeholders.”

Creating activities that promote unity and school pride is essential to the life lessons Postell imparts. He also believes learning extends beyond the classroom and initiates or participates in outreach opportunities that connect his school with the community.

“Mr. Postell is energetic, passionate, and a team player,” said Assistant Principal Dr. Jamilla Martin. “His big personality has made him a favorite amongst students, parents, and colleagues. Mr. Postell has also stepped up as a leader supporting new teachers through mentoring, peer coaching, and modeling.”

Postell is committed to lifelong scholarship and enabling a supportive and inclusive learning environment ­– values he seeks to instill in his students. He aims to inspire, empower, and leave a legacy of knowledge, resilience, and academic success.

The district’s Teacher of the Year award was presented to Postell following a rigorous selection process that spanned several months. The process commenced with 54 outstanding candidates from HCS elementary, middle, and high schools and was narrowed in August to six semifinalists.

In addition to Postell receiving the district and high school level awards, Dr. Misty Givens, a STEM teacher at Woodland Middle, emerged as Teacher of the Year at the middle school level, and Tarita Reeves, a math Early Intervention Program (EIP) teacher at Woodland Elementary, won Teacher of the Year at the elementary school level.

The other semifinalists were Heather Pouliot, a STEM teacher from Ola Elementary, Rekita Thornhill, a social studies teacher from Impact Academy Middle School, and Rhonda Lindsey, an English/language arts (ELA) teacher from Impact Academy High School.

“The best thing about being a teacher is that it matters. The hardest thing about being a teacher is that it matters every day,” said Superintendent Davis. “Today, we’re celebrating the group of teachers here in Henry County Schools that makes it matter every minute of every day for every kid in every way.” 

The coveted title of HCS Teacher of the Year qualifies Postell to represent the district in vying for the statewide Teacher of the Year award in November. 

Click here to view the live-streamed ceremony. Below is the full list of all the district’s 2023 Teacher of the Year winners.

About Henry County Schools

Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 52 schools, including two academies, located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past 20 years, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 students to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.

HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.

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Henry County Schools 2023 Teachers of the Year 

Elementary School

  • Tarita Reeves, Woodland Elementary
  • Heather Pouliot, Ola Elementary
  • Kimberlie Meadows, Austin Road Elementary
  • Tara Johnson, Bethlehem Elementary
  • Rebecca Majors, Cotton Indian Elementary
  • LaKeisha Bolling, Dutchtown Elementary
  • Stephanie Brown, East Lake Elementary
  • Miracle McCord, Fairview Elementary
  • Laura Forehand, Flippen Elementary
  • Kimberly Troutman, Hampton Elementary
  • Carey Tooke, Hickory Flat Elementary
  • Sherry Hayes, Impact Academy
  • Kimberly Hatcher, Locust Grove Elementary
  • Amina Williams, Luella Elementary
  • Latrinda Johnson, Mt. Carmel Elementary
  • Chelsea Floyd, New Hope Elementary
  • Tabatha Ridley, Oakland Elementary
  • Placida Means, Pate's Creek Elementary
  • Courtney Vann Acosta, Pleasant Grove Elementary
  • Melanie Ward, Red Oak Elementary
  • Sarah Greene, Rock Spring Elementary
  • LaQuida Landry, Rocky Creek Elementary
  • Lescia Stroud, Smith-Barnes Elementary
  • Chabrinee Walker, Stockbridge Elementary
  • Ashley Whitsell, Timber Ridge Elementary
  • Macretia Conley, Tussahaw Elementary
  • Leslie Knight, Unity Grove Elementary
  • Shoanna Hines, Walnut Creek Elementary
  • Dr. Deidra Lever-Shaw, Wesley Lakes Elementary

Middle School

  • Dr. Misty Givens, Woodland Middle
  • Rekita Thornhill, Impact Academy
  • Tameka Miles, Austin Road Middle
  • Quanesha Robinson, Dutchtown Middle
  • Jashandra Figueroa, Eagle's Landing Middle
  • Cherri Patterson, EXCEL Academy
  • Diamond Pierce, Hampton Middle
  • Abigail Engelbracht, Locust Grove Middle
  • Phillip "Matt" Fountain, Luella Middle
  • LaShunda Sims, McDonough Middle
  • Melissa Bell, Ola Middle
  • Tanya Costa, Stockbridge Middle
  • Kelli Elliott, Union Grove Middle

High School

  • Richard Postell, Dutchtown High
  • Rhonda Lindsey, Impact Academy
  • Dr. George Johnson, Academy for Advanced Studies
  • Dr. Tiffany Wheeler, Eagle's Landing High
  • Bonita Bright, Hampton High
  • Gussie “Patrick” Harp, Locust Grove High
  • Karie Jarrett-Roberts, Luella High
  • Nichole Bennett, McDonough High
  • Laura Coons, Ola High
  • Errol Thame, Stockbridge High
  • Mary Jane Portwood, Union Grove High
  • Reginald Ross, Woodland High