Houston County educator, GA Teacher of the Year Finalist is ‘excited for what lies ahead.’
A teacher in the Houston County School District has been named a finalist for the Georgia Teacher of the Year, the state department of education announced Monday.
Jade Thomas, a fourth grade teacher at Lake Joy Elementary, was selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year Award for prioritizing “creating a classroom environment where students are welcomed, loved, and fully engaged in learning every day,” according to a press release.
Thomas said she is honored to represent the school district, as the achievement is special to her both personally and professionally.
“On a personal level, it means the world to have my young children witness their mom reaching such an exciting milestone. Seeing their pride fuels my passion even more,” Thomas told The Telegraph in an email.
“Professionally, this recognition reinforces my commitment to growth—not just for myself, but for those around me,” Thomas said. “I’m eager to continue learning, inspiring, and uplifting others. I want every educator and student to feel valued, seen, and set up for success—just as I do today.”
Thomas was chosen as the HCSD Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prior to becoming a teacher, Thomas served in the Marine Corps for eight years. In 2023, Thomas co-founded her school’s Military Kids Club, which supports and encourages students in service families to socialize.
Her military service and community involvement were recognized late last year with a surprise family trip to Disney World that premiered nationwide on Disney+ for a holiday special.
In a surprising classroom visit, state Superintendent Richard Woods announced to Thomas that she was selected among the 10 finalists last week.
“Every one of our 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists is a reminder of the power, promise, and potential of public education,” Woods said in the press release.
“They are dedicated, creative, talented educators who daily change the lives of students in classrooms across our state,” he added. “I offer my sincere congratulations to each of them and ask that all Georgians join us in celebrating these world-class educators as we continue the selection process for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year.”
Thomas believes that her dynamic “hands-on, brains-on” teaching style ignites a love for learning in her students, noting that the most effective learning occurs through active involvement such as when she converted the school’s playground into a gold-mining adventure as part of a history lesson on the California Gold Rush.
“A student once told me our classroom feels like home. That has always stuck with me. I want to create a classroom environment where my students know and feel loved,” she said.
Thomas will meet with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches before the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year selection in May.
If selected, Thomas will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession in Georgia, and she will be entered into the National Teacher of the Year competition, according to the press release.
Thomas reflected that this achievement highlights the significant progress she has made in her journey as an educator, evolving from a Marine to a dedicated classroom educator.
“During that transition, there were moments of doubt where I questioned whether teaching was the right path for me,” Thomas said. “However, over time, I discovered that education is my true calling. There are days when it doesn’t even feel like work because I am so passionate about what I do.”
“This experience reaffirms that when you pursue your passion with dedication and heart, success will follow. I am grateful for this journey and excited for what lies ahead,” Thomas added.