The Jones County School System recognized eight educators selected as Teachers of the Year for the 2024-25 school year at their respective campuses.
Shannon Briscoe
represents Jones County Pre-K as Teacher of the Year. She was nominated for this honor by fellow educator Kristi Harley.
“Shannon Briscoe stands out among all other teachers. Her dedication and performance in the classroom show across all levels,” Harley said.
She also highlighted Briscoe’s classroom management skills and ability to engage every child.
“She not only plans interactive lessons for her students but engages and differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all students,” Harley said.
Briscoe earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Walden University and completed her master’s degree in elementary education at Brenau University. She is qualified to teach all content areas and has taught for 13 years.
Amy Marlowe, the Director of Jones County Pre-K, discussed why Briscoe stands out as a dedicated educator.
“She is incredibly fun, well-planned, nurturing, and learning is first. Students enjoy being with her, and she is a pleasure to be around here at the school and everywhere else,” she said.
Heather Brewer is Turner Woods Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, nominated by her colleague, Jennifer Thompson.
“She is one of the hardest working teachers I know. She has a difficult job, takes on a lot of extra responsibility, and always does her best all the time,” Thompson said.
Brewer earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Mercer University, master’s degree from Walden University, and specialist degree from Georgia Southwestern University. She teaches reading, math, and special education for kindergarten and third grade. With 12 years of experience, she is highly dedicated to her students.
Principal Keisha Pitts praised Brewer’s dedication.
“Mrs. Brewer is a kind, loving, dedicated educator. She consistently demonstrates her love and patience for students,” she said.
The principal highlighted Brewer’s strengths in helping students with emotional regulation and problem- solving skills.
“She is also very understanding when working with families and helping them to navigate through the process of understanding how to support their students,” Pitts said.
Casey McCray is the Teacher of the Year at Gray Elementary School. Fellow educator Kristen Mimbs nominated her and spoke of her kindness and commitment to students.
“She is so much more than our media specialist. She is always willing to help, whether she helps students find their love for learning, provides teacher resources, or creates fun ways for students to be motivated to reach their goals,” Mimbs said.
McCray received her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Macon State College with a dual certification in special education. She earned her master’s degree in library media/technology from Georgia College & State University and has 16 years of experience.
Principal Melody Nebel says two words encapsulate McCray as an educator: pure magic.
“She works on our leadership team, provides wonderful experiences for our students, and plans and organizes amazing events. I cannot say enough about what she does here at our school,” Nebel said.
Nominated by fellow educator Ashley White, Lisa Mullis represents Mattie Wells Elementary School as Teacher of the Year.
“Mrs. Mullis is a huge proponent in our school and the county for the arts. She produces all the plays at Jones County Arts. I can personally attest that my child would not be in the band if she had not instilled in him a passion for music,” White said.
Mullis attended Mercer University, earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, which has allowed her to teach music to students in kindergarten through fifth grade for 11 years.
Principal Gwinette Hudson spoke about Mullis’ talent in teaching.
“She has exposed our students to a variety of musical instruments. She is pleasant with the kids. Not only does she do a lot of work in our school, but she does a lot of work in the community. She loves what she does, the students, and the community,” Hudson said.
Danielle Wheeler is the Teacher of the Year at Dames Ferry Elementary School. Teacher Samantha Whatley nominated Wheeler for her strong leadership skills.
“A team and grade level’s success depends on its leader. Danielle is our team leader. It is evident when she talks and acts that she truly cares about the kids and wants all of us to be successful,” Whatley said.
Wheeler received her bachelor’s in early childhood education from Georgia Southern University, master’s degree from Wesleyan College, and specialist degree from Georgia College & State University. She teaches math and STEM subjects to fourth-grade students and has 13 years of experience.
Principal Wes Cavender discussed why Dames Ferry is fortunate to have Wheeler as an educator on their campus.
“She does such an awesome job developing positive relationships with not only her students but with families and her peers here at work,” he said.
Charm Mapp has been named Teacher of the Year at Clifton Ridge Middle School and represents Jones County as the district’s overall Teacher of the Year. Chelsey Asbell, the district’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year, and Mapp’s colleague nominated her for this honor.
“I nominated her because I see how much she invests in our students, not just here at Clifton Ridge but students of all backgrounds, as she invests in students at the college level as a professor at Georgia College & State University,” Asbell said.
Mapp earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in middle grades education and specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Georgia College & State University. She is obtaining her doctorate from the same institution. She teaches eighth-grade math and enhanced algebra at Clifton Ridge and has 22 years of experience.
Clifton Ridge Principal Dr. Stacy Carr believes that Mapp excels in three key areas in education: as a life-long learner, an instructional mentor, and a leader.
“She works all day as an eighth-grade math and algebra teacher and gives 110 percent every day she is here. On top of that, she is working on her doctorate, and she attends conferences to better herself as a Gifted lead,” Carr said.
Gray Station Middle School’s Teacher of the Year is Kevin Noviello, nominated by Emily Stauber.
“I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Noviello for the past three years, where I have seen him excel as a teacher, coach, team lead, committee chair, and mentor. His tenacity and eagerness to help others is inspiring to students and teachers,” Stauber said.
Noviello earned his bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from Columbus State University and his master’s in educational leadership from Georgia College & State University. He currently teaches seventh-grade social studies and has 16 years of experience.
Principal Leigh Ann Anderson highlighted Noviello’s contributions to the school community, emphasizing his leadership role.
“He is always willing to go the extra mile and help out in any way he can,” Anderson said.
Kelly Roberson is Jones County High School’s Teacher of the Year. Her colleague, Audie Newsome, nominated her for this honor.
“She is the most enthusiastic person I have ever met about math. She goes above and beyond contract hours for her students. She is involved in the school as an FCA advisor and on the BEST team to make our school a better place,” Newsome said.
Roberson earned her bachelor’s in mathematics and master’s in teaching at Georgia College & State University. She teaches advanced algebra and AP pre-calculus to ninth through twelfthgrade students and has 12 years of experience.
Principal Dennis Woolfolk expressed his admiration for Roberson.
“She is one of the brightest minds in our math rooms and one of our best leads. She is not just a teacher but a leader. She has a great spirit for academics, athletics, and her faith. She teaches every child like it is her own,” Woolfolk said.
