Teacher of the Year Program » Teacher of the Year Program

Teacher of the Year Program

Top Five Finalists
2026-2027 Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year

 
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Tayler Norwood 

Stallings Island Middle School

Band Director 

Teaching experience -- 10 years 

 

Mrs. Tayler Norwood has served as Band Director at Stallings Island Middle School since 2016. A graduate of Greenbrier High School, she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Augusta University and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Georgia. She is an active leader in music education, serving as Tenth District Chair for the Georgia Music Educators Association, CCSD Band Lead, and a member of the Georgia Department of Education Fine Arts Advisory Council. Mrs. Norwood believes education is about continuous growth, creating an environment where students feel safe to take risks, persevere, and celebrate progress. Her goal is for students to leave her classroom as stronger musicians and confident lifelong learners.
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Brittany Hayes 

Grovetown High School 

Advanced Placement: Language and Composition 

Teaching experience -- 7 years

 

Ms. Brittany Hayes is an English teacher at Grovetown High School, where she graduated as Star Student and Valedictorian in 2015. She earned bachelor’s degrees in English and English Education from the University of Georgia, graduating with highest honors in 2019. Ms. Hayes teaches Speech and Debate, AP Language and Composition, and Senior Multicultural Literature. She is committed to helping students become more confident speakers, thoughtful listeners, skilled readers, and effective writers. Through literature, discussion, and collaboration, she creates a joyful learning environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. Inspired by her own teachers, Ms. Hayes strives to equip students with the communication and life skills needed for success both in school and beyond.
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Heather Cottingham 

Grovetown Elementary School 

EIP/ESOL Teacher

Teaching experience -- 11 years

 

Ms. Cottingham is an ESOL and Early Intervention Program (EIP) teacher at Grovetown Elementary School, where she has served since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Augusta State University and has earned endorsements in Dyslexia and ESOL through Columbia County. Mrs. Cottingham provides reading intervention and language support to students in grades 2–5, helping learners achieve meaningful academic growth. She is passionate about closing achievement gaps through purposeful instruction, strong relationships, and high expectations. Known for creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment, Mrs. Cottingham empowers students to take ownership of their learning while fostering confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

 
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Ashley Farmer 

Brookwood Elementary School 

5th Grade 

Teaching experience -- 19 years 

 

Mrs. Ashley Farmer is a dedicated first-grade teacher at Brookwood Elementary School. She holds an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Perimeter College and is a three-time graduate of Augusta University, earning degrees in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and Teaching and Learning. She also holds an ESOL endorsement. Mrs. Farmer is committed to creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where all students are empowered to achieve success and reach their full potential. Through intentional instruction and meaningful relationships, she meets the diverse needs of her learners while fostering a love of learning. A two-time Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Farmer was also recognized as the 2025-2026 Georgia Mentor of the Year (P20 Division) for her dedication to supporting and developing fellow educators. 
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Anna Connolly 

Blue Ridge Elementary School 

Kindergarten

Teaching experience -- 22 years 

 

Anna Connolly is a dedicated Kindergarten teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary School with 22 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Augusta State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Post-Secondary Education from Troy State University. Mrs. Connolly was honored as Teacher of the Year at South Columbia Elementary School for the 2017-2018 school year. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students and families and creating a student-centered learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported. Through data-driven instruction and high expectations, Mrs. Connolly meets diverse learning needs while inspiring students to become confident, lifelong learners.