Two Augusta University alumni named district teachers of the year

Two alumni from Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development have been named Teachers of the Year in Richmond and Columbia counties. Laquandra Staley was named by the Richmond County School District and Tabitha Purvis was chosen by the Columbia County Board of Education School District. 

The awards honor teachers who stand out in a field of excellent educators. Each district is entered into the competition for Georgia’s State Teacher of the Year, and one winner will announced in the spring.

Staley, a native of Harlem, Georgia, is now in her 12th year of teaching in Richmond County, leading a second-grade class at C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School. She also serves on the instructional leadership team and is the school’s cheerleading coach. 

“The moment that I can unlock something that a student was struggling with, that’s the most rewarding part of my job,” Staley said. “It’s what drives me to push my students to be the best they can be.” 

Purvis, a quadruple Jag and native of McDuffie County, Georgia, has taught first, third and fifth grades over her 19-year career and teaches fifth-grade math and science at Euchee Creek Elementary. 

“I was overwhelmingly shocked. It’s taken some time for it to really sink in,” Purvis said. “It’s definitely an honor to be recognized, but it’s a strange feeling to me because I don’t feel like I did anything different than what I normally do. You do what you do every day as a teacher, never looking to get any recognition or accolades. It’s just what I’m supposed to do, so being chosen as Teacher of the Year for my school was a blessing to me. My peers felt I was worthy enough to carry the title.” 

Part of Purvis’ recognition was a car, but she said the most rewarding part of her job is hearing from former students years later. 

“I won a car, but I would give that up every single day for some of these emails and messages I received from kids,” she said. “They tell me how they remember the way they felt in my class, and that’s what makes this job so fulfilling.” 

Both Purvis and Staley began their collegiate journeys at AU, and their achievements are a testament to the college’s commitment to preparing educators who make a lasting impact, said Judi Wilson, PhD, dean of COEHD.

“It is such a joy to have COEHD alumni representing our two largest school systems as their District Teacher of the Year,” Wilson said. “Both individuals represent our institutional values and are true difference-makers. We often say that doctors save lives, but teachers change lives. That is certainly evident in the stories of impact their K-12 students share. These two educators are genuinely touching the future – one child at a time. We are blessed to call them Jags, and we look forward to supporting their tenure in these influential leadership positions this year. We wish them both the best as they represent us well during the next level of competition at the state level.” 

With a shared commitment to inspiring students, Purvis and Staley will advance to the competition for Georgia’s State Teacher of the Year in the spring.

No matter the outcome, they’ve already made a profound difference in the lives of their students and communities, embodying Augusta University’s values in their everyday work.