Holly Witcher

A Teach in the Peach Ambassador

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.”

Find teachers who love what they do, and talk to them. Take opportunities to volunteer or substitute in a variety of different grade levels and subjects to see what interests you. Too many people give teaching a shot, but get frustrated if it isn’t what they thought it would be. It may be, that you just haven’t found your right fit yet.
“When things get hard, don’t change your career—change your scenery. Early in my career, I was overwhelmed and terrified to move into special education because of how much I didn’t know. But taking that leap changed everything. It led me to what I was made for, the greatest honors of my life, and families who became my own. As a new teacher, you will eventually hit a wall where you want to throw in the towel and become a professional dog walker. When that happens, remember: your degree is a launching pad, not a cage. Don’t throw away your legacy just because you’re in the wrong room. Step out of your comfort zone, try a new grade level, school, or role, and give yourself permission to find a version of “”beautiful”” you never imagined.”
I stay in education because helping students unlock their potential is a purpose that never dulls. Every day is different, and every child brings a unique spark to the room. Real job satisfaction isn’t driven by external rewards; it’s driven by autonomy, mastery, and purpose. To fuel my own growth, I take on a new passion project each year—challenging myself to master new skills while creating fresh, impactful experiences for my students. That continuous learning gives me autonomy and accomplishment, but my students are what give me purpose. It’s an incredibly rewarding way to spend a career. When I say “You matter”” – I mean it.”
I teach in a rural school. In small towns, the school is the pulse of the community. It is the single biggest employer, the cultural center, and the main source of hope. And teachers are the ones pumping that life into it. We are not just teaching subjects; we are building the foundation of tomorrow’s fire chief, the next mayor, the farmer who will feed your community, and the neighbor who will care for you later in life. There is no other type of school where you will see your impact more obviously. And you can’t beat the location. Watching the sun rise over the mountains when I drive into work every day is pretty sweet.
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2,026 students commit to teaching profession at second annual Teach in the Peach Statewide Educator Signing Day