Jordan Hill Elementary School Teacher Whitney Sullivan was named the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) 2024-25 District-Wide Teacher of the Year. Sullivan will go on to represent the district as she competes for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Sullivan was surprised with the announcement at the Back to School Celebration on July 31 in front of all 1400+ GSCS employees.
Thanks to a partnership with Cronic Automotive Group, Sullivan will be driving a new 2024 Nissan Rogue to work every day this school year. The Teacher of the Year 1st Runner-Up, Dr. Takiah Ogunlusi from Griffin High School, received a $1,000 gift. The Teacher of the Year 2nd Runner-Up, Amy Simpkins from Spalding High School, received a $500 gift.
Sullivan has over 15 years of teaching experience. She joined Jordan Hill Elementary in 2022 and is a third-grade teacher. Sullivan earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Thomas University.
Sullivan takes an active role in promoting literacy in her school and instills a love for reading in her students. Last year, she was awarded a Leading Literacy Banner by State School Superintendent Richard Woods for her amazing student achievement results. She was one of only three GSCS teachers to receive this recognition and one out of 155 teachers in the state. Sullivan is engaged in school improvement by facilitating professional learning communities centered on reading practices for the district. She was also selected to participate in the Governor's School Leadership Academy which aims to support teachers in building capacity in their schools.
Sullivan dedicates much of her success to her grandmother and mother who taught her the value of education and showed unwavering support. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading and traveling. She cherishes her time with her husband and two kids, who are her biggest supporters.
“In 15 years, my educational philosophy has always stayed the same. I firmly believe that every child can learn and has something to contribute to the learning environment. When students feel like they play an essential role in the learning community, it creates a sense of belonging, and they do more because they know you expect more from them. I always lead with love. Leading with love involves setting high expectations for my students. Students have a keen sense of discernment to know whether someone believes in them. They know it by observing actions. I set high expectations for my students, I communicate that I see a bright future and I will push them toward their fullest potential. Helping students see that they can achieve more than they think is not easy, but I am a passionate and dedicated educator who will go the distance for my students. I am willing to put forth my best efforts to get my students to see themselves beyond the limits they set for themselves. I can't expect my students to achieve more if I set low expectations, they are depending on me,” stated Sullivan.
Jordan Hill Elementary Principal Dottie English stated, “Mrs. Sullivan is not just a teacher; she is a mentor, an inspirer and a role model to students and colleagues alike. She possesses a rare combination of deep subject matter expertise, innovative teaching methods and genuine care for the well-being and academic success of every student she encounters. Mrs. Sullivan fosters a dynamic learning environment where students feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. Her lessons are thoughtfully planned, engaging, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners. She actively collaborates with colleagues, sharing insights, resources, and best practices to enhance teaching and learning across disciplines. Her positive attitude, professionalism and leadership by example contribute to our positive school culture.”
GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons stated, “We are all excited for Mrs. Sullivan to represent GSCS as the District Teacher of the Year. I want to thank the selection committee for their time and efforts in judging applications, conducting interviews and observations during this process. We look forward to Mrs. Sullivan serving as the ambassador for our educators this school year.”
Candidates from all 19 schools completed applications and were scored by outside evaluators to determine the three finalists. Interviews and classroom observations with the finalists were conducted by a panel of judges and a rubric was followed to determine the Teacher of the Year.
Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes outstanding public-school teachers at both local and state levels. This is a prestigious award program focused on excellence in teaching.