Teacher of the Year 2026

My name is Ms. Williams, and I am deeply honored and excited to serve as Smith Barnes Elementary’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the

Year.

At Smith Barnes Elementary, I have the privilege of serving as an ESOL teacher. This is my third year at Smith Barnes and my twelfth year in education. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University, my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Walden University, and my Specialist’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Georgia. I also hold endorsements in K–12 ESOL and Dyslexia, and I hope to pursue a Reading endorsement this year.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my fiancé. 

Throughout my career, I have been committed to cultivating strong, meaningful relationships with both students and their families. I believe students learn best when they feel known, valued, and supported. As an ESOL teacher, my mission is to help remove language barriers while maintaining high academic and personal expectations for every student. I am also passionate about creating culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments where every child feels a sense of belonging and understands that they have the opportunity to thrive.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, and staff of Smith Barnes Elementary, and I look forward to another amazing school year!