At the district's annual convocation, Valorie Watkins, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Dr. Denise Warnock, Superintendent, recognized the 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year for their excellence in teaching, leadership, and commitment to helping students succeed. This year, the following teachers were named as their school's Teacher of the Year:
• Pippin Davis, 9-12 Social Studies teacher, Swainsboro High School
• Almeatta Durden, 1st grade teacher, Swainsboro Primary School
• Heather Hodges, 1st grade teacher, Twin City Elementary School
• Russell Johnson, 8th grade Science teacher, Emanuel County Institute
• Patrice Robinson, 8th grade Math teacher, Swainsboro Middle School
• Courtney Sikes, 3rd grade Math, Science, and Social Studies teacher, Swainsboro Elementary School
Following the recognition of the school-level Teachers of the Year, Almeatta Durden was named the 2026-2027 Emanuel County Schools Teacher of the Year. She will represent the district in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program.
Durden has spent 24 years in education and has taught at Swainsboro Primary School since 2008. She graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1993 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Augusta State University. As a first-grade teacher, she is dedicated to helping young students discover their potential while creating a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn.
Throughout her career, Durden has remained committed to building strong academic foundations while inspiring confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. She believes every child can succeed when they are challenged, supported, and allowed to shine. As she advances to the Georgia Teacher of the Year program, Durden will represent Emanuel County Schools and the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of students every day.
