A record 246 guests gathered September 15 at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center to celebrate nine outstanding educators and the announcement of Mrs. Eleshia A. Turner as the 2026–27 Valdosta City Schools Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Craig D. Lockhart announced Mrs. Turner as the district winner. Joining her as Top 3 finalists were Mr. Johnny Brown of Valdosta Middle School and Ms. Kijakazi Gayden of J.L. Lomax Elementary School.
For Turner, who has taught at Valdosta High School since January 2007, student success begins with relationships.
“I believe relationships create trust, trust builds confidence, and confident students become leaders who positively influence others,” she wrote in her Teacher of the Year application.
Turner teaches Algebra 1: Concepts and Connections and International Baccalaureate Applications and Interpretations. Her classroom invites students to collaborate, explain their thinking and discover how mathematics connects to the world around them. One example is her “Build Your Own City” geometry project, in which students design communities and defend the mathematical choices behind their designs.
Her influence reaches throughout Valdosta High School through her roles as Advanced Placement coordinator, summer school coordinator, Guiding Coalition team member and sponsor of the SNOOZE Mental Health Awareness Club. The student-led club promotes wellness, service and belonging through activities such as handwritten encouragement notes and hallway displays of positive messages.
Former student Lauren Ball described that influence in her recommendation letter: “She sees potential in her students long before they see it in themselves and then helps them realize it.”
Turner holds degrees from Valdosta State University, Walden University and Thomas University. She previously earned Valdosta High School Teacher of the Year honors for 2012–13 and 2020–21.
This year’s district selection process included applications independently scored by judges from across the country, interviews with a five-member committee and classroom observations of the Top 3 finalists. Weighted scores determined the district winner.
The banquet celebrated all nine 2026–27 school Teachers of the Year:
Maranda Christian, Pinevale Elementary School
Ashley Harrell, W.G. Nunn Elementary School
Ellen House, Sallas Mahone Elementary School
Marvetta Mitchell, J.L. Newbern Middle School
Julie Savoie, Valdosta Early College Academy
Austin Strozier, S.L. Mason Elementary School
Johnny Brown, Valdosta Middle School
Kijakazi Gayden, J.L. Lomax Elementary School
Eleshia A. Turner, Valdosta High School
Valdosta Board of Education Chair Ms. Kelisa Brown brought greetings on behalf of the Board, and Mrs. Jessica Mauser, a 2025–26 district TOTY finalist, introduced the honorees. Videos shared glimpses of their classroom work, with a special tribute from Turner’s former students providing a memorable close to the celebration.
Valdosta City Schools and the Valdosta City Schools Foundation, Inc., joined dozens of community partners in recognizing the teachers with monetary awards, gifts and experiences. Special thanks also go to the Valdosta High School Floral Design Class for the floral centerpieces and The Home Depot RDC #5085 in Lake Park for funding the additional 21 table centerpieces.
Congratulations to Mrs. Turner and all nine of our 2026–27 Teachers of the Year! Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of our students and for giving our community so many reasons to BelieVe in the V.
VCS 2026-27 Top 3 Finalists for Teacher of the Year
(l-r) Dr. Craig Lockhart, Superintendent; Mrs. Eleshia Turner, 2026-27 VHS and VCS Teacher of the Year, Ms. Kijakazi Gayden, J.L. Lomax Teacher of the Year; Mr. Johnny Brown, Valdosta Middle School Teacher of the Year
2026 - 2027 Teachers of the Year for Valdosta City Schools
(l-r) Ms. Marvetta Mitchell, J.L. Newbern Middle School; Mrs. Ellen House, Sallas Mahone Elementary School; Mrs. Julie Savoie, Valdosta Early College Academy; Mrs. Ashley Harrell, W.G. Nunn Elementary School; Mrs. Eleshia Turner, Valdosta High Schools & Valdosta City Schools Teacher of the Year; Dr. Craig Lockhart, Superintendent; Ms. Kijakazi Gayden, J.L. Lomax Elementary School; Mr. Johnny Brown, Valdosta Middle School; Mr. Austin Strozier, S.L. Mason Elementary School; and Ms. Maranda Christian, Pinevale Elementary School.