VALDOSTA — DeAndre Johnson, a full-time Adult Education instructor at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Valdosta Campus Adult Education site, has been named the 2026–2027 Wiregrass Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year. This significant recognition highlights Johnson's commitment to supporting adult learners in Lowndes County and the surrounding region as they work to overcome barriers, achieve their educational goals, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families, according to a press release from Wiregrass Tech.
The Outstanding Teacher of the Year competition is an initiative by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education. The program aims to recognize instructors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student achievement, academic excellence, and the overall mission of adult education. Local nominees, including Johnson, were selected based on their performance metrics from the previous year, Wiregrass Tech stated.
Johnson's role is crucial in helping individuals strengthen their academic skills and pursue further educational and career paths. His selection underscores his efforts in assisting adults in their journey toward a brighter future, the college said. For local residents and workforce members, this award signifies the quality of instruction available through Wiregrass Tech's adult education programs, directly impacting their ability to gain new skills and advance their careers.
President DeAnnia Clements of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College commended Johnson's achievement. Clements stated that Johnson "represents the very best of what Adult Education is all about," emphasizing his work in meeting students where they are and helping them progress. She added that the college is extremely proud of him and anticipates his representation of Wiregrass at the state competition.
The competition saw an outstanding group of instructors nominated from across the Wiregrass region. These nominees included Joan Duffie of Irwin County; Renee Elliott, Krista Spires, and Sandra Scurry of Coffee County; DeAndre Johnson of Lowndes County; Brianna Gillis of Atkinson County; and Joy Newbern of Berrien County, showcasing the broad reach and quality of the Adult Education program.
As the Wiregrass OTOY winner, Johnson will advance to the state Outstanding Teacher of the Year competition. This next stage of the competition is scheduled to take place in Atlanta in March, where it will be held in conjunction with the Technical College System of Georgia’s EAGLE competition.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Adult Education program provides essential educational opportunities for residents across South Georgia. These programs are designed to help individuals strengthen academic skills, earn high school equivalency credentials, prepare for postsecondary education and training, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in today’s evolving workforce. For commuters, parents, military families, and small-business owners looking to enhance their skills or employees' capabilities, the availability of such dedicated instruction at the Valdosta Campus Adult Education site is a key resource.
