Valdosta, GA – Valdosta High School mathematics teacher Eleshia Turner was named the Valdosta City Schools (VCS) District Teacher of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet held Tuesday evening at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. The recognition marks the third time Turner has received a Teacher of the Year award, previously earning the honor during the 2012-13 and 2020-21 school years.
The banquet, hosted by Valdosta City Schools, set a new attendance record with 246 people present, exceeding the previous high of 175 attendees from the prior year. Turner, now in her 19th year teaching at Valdosta High School, was highlighted by Valdosta City Schools as a dedicated, energetic, and passionate educator committed to promoting academic excellence and cultivating strong relationships with students and all community stakeholders.
Turner was selected from a group of three finalists for the district-wide award. The other finalists recognized were Kijakazi Gayden from J.L. Lomax Elementary and Johnny Brown from Valdosta Middle School.
Upon receiving the award, Turner expressed her gratitude, noting a "20-year journey" and acknowledging the strength she received to be a role model, motivator, and encourager for students and colleagues. She underscored the importance of fostering connections, stating that "building relationships with students" allows them to feel loved, cared for, and secure within the school environment. Turner also shared her commitment to showcasing the positive work and achievements of Valdosta City Schools.
In addition to the district-wide honor, Valdosta City Schools also recognized other exceptional educators from within the school district. Among those honored were Marvetta Mitchell from J.L. Newbern Middle School and Julie Savoie from Valdosta Early College Academy.
As part of her victory as District Teacher of the Year, Eleshia Turner will receive a variety of gifts and recognitions. These include a Teacher of the Year ring, gift cards from various local businesses across Valdosta, and a sampler box of sausage provided by Sunset Farms. The Flower Gallery also contributed a floral arrangement. Looking ahead, Valdosta City Schools will present Turner with a $1,000 check at the end of the current school year. Further amenities include four single-day passes to Wild Adventures Theme Park and a complimentary one-year family membership to the Valdosta YMCA, alongside other gifts. These contributions reflect community appreciation for the dedication of local educators.
