Teach in the Peach Ambassadors

Originally from Michigan, Ike Thompson began teaching in Georgia in 2005. He currently teachers English and coaches the fishing team for Veterans High School. In 2019 he was a Top 10 finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year in 2019. Ike is dedicated to developing future educators, championing innovative pathways into teaching.

Zach is a husband, father, and band director in Toccoa, Georgia. He has taught his entire 15-year career in rural, Title I, single-high school districts and worked with band programs across the state of Georgia.

Canadian-born and Southwest Georgia-raised, I switched from Pre-Med to Education at UGA and never looked back! I’ve built a beautiful life as a teacher. I married a fellow educator, had three kids, and bought a wonderful home in Columbus, Georgia. I, now, make my living inspiring and engaging the brightest minds in my district.

Chante Luckie-Smith is the Director of Teen Services for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, an award-winning educator and community leader dedicated to empowering youth through career exploration, leadership development, and innovative educational opportunities.

Steven McIntyre brings 12 years of experience in television broadcasting, including roles at WAGA FOX 5 Atlanta as a director, engineer, and master control operator. Now entering his eighth year at Chestatee High School, he leads War Eagle TV and inspires students through hands on learning in audio, video, film, and broadcasting.

Leigha Burnham is an award-winning Georgia educator with 25 years of experience. A Georgia Teacher of the Year Top Ten Finalist, Don Cargill STEM Scholar, GLMA’s Intellectual Freedom Award winner, and a multiple Teacher of the Year honoree, she champions literacy, STEM, and innovative learning through dynamic school library leadership.

A 25-year teaching veteran, Alicia Reno empowers young minds as a STEM educator in the City Schools of Decatur. Named the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year Runner-up, she is deeply passionate about elevating the education profession by championing teacher leadership opportunities and advocating for educators both inside and outside the classroom.

Joanna Haggerty is originally from Maryland and moved to Georgia in 2023 as a military spouse. She has taught elementary school in many different states and currently serves as a literacy coach, supporting teachers and students through evidence based reading instruction in rural Georgia.

Holly Witcher, the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year, is a 25-year veteran teaching K–2 self-contained special education at Tesnatee Gap Elementary. She advocates for strong collaboration between parents, educators, and communities to support student success with her core message: “You Matter.”

Savannah, Georgia native Cameron Shuler is a Georgia College alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Since beginning her teaching career during the pandemic, she has embraced classroom instruction, leadership, and policy work. She was named 2024 Greene County District Teacher of the Year and most recently served as a Georgia Department […]

Mary is a sixth-grade ELA teacher. She’s passionate about amplifying student voice through sustainability-focused, real-world learning and supports her students in creating multimodal projects that connect learning to authentic audiences. As a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and GaDOE Teacher Policy Fellow, Mary creates practices that foster literacy, interdisciplinary learning, and advocacy.

Rachel Kinsaul is the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year, a National Teacher of the Year Finalist, and an agricultural education teacher at Morgan County High School. A Milken Educator Award recipient, she is passionate about experiential learning, student leadership, and preparing students for careers in agriculture and beyond.

I am a special education leader with 14 years of experience dedicated to empowering students and educators. As a Teach in the Peach Ambassador, I advocate for teacher recruitment and retention while advancing instructional leadership, mentoring educators, and creating inclusive learning environments that foster student and teacher success.

I am a passionate 6th grade Social Studies teacher who believes learning about the world inspires students to make a difference in it. My classroom is a place where geography, history, culture, and current events come to life through engaging and interactive lessons. I strive to help students become critical thinkers, informed global citizens, and […]

Ashley believes every child deserves a teacher who believes in them. She is passionate about creating a welcoming classroom where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to become the very best version of themselves.

My name is Dr. Burnette, affectionately called Burnie or Doc by my students. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Valdosta State University (VSU), a Masters with the Art of Teaching in Secondary Education from VSU, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from VSU. I hold endorsements in both gifted and online […]

Dr. Juléa Eppinger is a native of Atlanta and a product of Fulton County schools. Juléa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Albany State University. She also earned a masters in Psychology and Elementary Education. Dr. Eppinger earned her doctorate in Education from The University of Miami. In her spare time […]

Candace Torrence is a gifted education teacher at A.L. Burruss Elementary in Marietta City Schools. She is the wife of Rashad Torrence and proud mother of Rashad II, Rhian, and Reese. Inspired by her grandmother, Ezella Holcomb, and aunt, Annie L. Ruggs, Candace is passionate about building meaningful relationships, serving her community, and empowering every […]

I became an educator to be a change agent for STEM education but I fell in love with teaching because of my students. Grants, community partnerships, professional organizations, and fellowships enabled me to provide my students incredible learning experiences in the life sciences, connecting classroom to careers and community.

Dr. Leming is a fifth-grade teacher in Cherokee County. Named a finalist for the 2023 Georgia Teacher of the Year and a 2025 Young Professional to Watch, she enjoys connecting with students, sharing her passion for education through public speaking, and proving that, even after 17 years in the classroom, teaching continues to inspire, challenge, […]