“Iron sharpens iron”: Houston County School District’s top teachers band together to tackle issues

The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council will feature some of the best talent the district has to offer, as it’s comprised of the district’s 39 teacher of the year winners from 2024-2025. Each meeting will serve as an opportunity for teachers to discuss what’s working at their respective schools and what they need more help with.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new council is looking to tackle teacher burnout, tardiness and other issues facing the Houston County School District.

The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council will feature some of the best talent the district has to offer, as it’s comprised of the district’s 39 teacher of the year winners from 2024-2025. District Teacher of the Year, Jade Thomas, a fourth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Lake Joy Elementary, will lead the council in its first year. Thomas says the council will address teacher burnout by exploring different options to protect planning time and plans to discuss a lot more.

“There were some issues brought up about buses and getting students in their classrooms a little bit after the arrival time and how that affects teachers,” Thomas said. 

Each meeting will serve as an opportunity for teachers to discuss what’s working at their respective schools and what they need more help with. Kings Chapel Elementary’s Kelli Barnes says it’s an honor to exchange ideas with other top teachers, benefit students and staff, and help make the transition for first-year superintendent Dr. Richard Rogers just a little bit easier.

“We’ve talked about how we see a focus on moving forward and a climate of change has already started to build that welcoming sense that we want Houston County to have,” Barnes said. “That this is the place where you want to be.” 

Dr. Rogers says he appreciates those efforts and trusts his teachers on the council and across the district to maximize student success.

“As leaders, we have to remember who the experts are,” Rogers said. “And that’s who’s closest to the child. The teachers are in the trenches. They know what we need to do.” 

Thomas says she’s excited to head the council in its inaugural year and expects the teachers to make each other better.

“Iron sharpens iron,” Thomas said. “And it’s great to have all of the teachers of the year be able to lead in their buildings. They’re voted on by their peers, so they’re a great voice and a great representation for their schools.”  

The council will meet quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for October. The new school year for students in Houston County begins tomorrow.