Parkway Elementary’s Tiffany Tanner named Columbia County Teacher of the Year

Tiffany Tanner of Parkway Elementary was named the 2026 Columbia County Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy Columbia County School District

Tiffany Tanner of Parkway Elementary was named the 2026 Columbia County Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy Columbia County School District

Date: October 03, 2025

Parkway Elementary School music teacher Tiffany Tanner was named the 2026 Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year during Thursday night’s celebration at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.

Tanner was selected from a group of five finalists, which included Jona Gaskin of Westmont Elementary, Kirsten Matthis of Evans High, Lauren O’Neil of Cedar Ridge Elementary, and Nancy Morris of Columbia Middle. Each school’s Teacher of the Year was also recognized during the banquet.

A surreal experience

Moments after receiving the award, Tanner described the recognition as almost unbelievable.

“I am very honored.. this is the best district in the state of Georgia,” she said. “And it’s just such an honor to be here, just in general, as a teacher there, but to be in the top five, to be named…I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet.”

Teacher of the year Tiffany Tanner next to Dr. Steven Flynt after Tanner was announced the winner. Photo by Drew Wall.

What teaching means to Tanner

When asked what teaching means to her, Tanner’s answer was simple:

“I mean, it’s my life. It’s everything to me — my kids, my coworkers, my school, my family. There’s no better career. I was given the talent of music and the passion of teaching, and being able to put that together and do that every day is just a blessing.”

A classroom built on joy

Tanner said her approach to teaching is rooted in joy.

“My approach is just to have fun. I mean, my kids step in there, we just, we have fun, we laugh, we smile, and we try to learn along the way,” she said. “Just anything that can help them be better than when they walked in.”

Guests gather at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown for the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on Thursday night. Photo by Drew Wall
Guests gather at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown for the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on Thursday night. Photo by Drew Wall

Advice for new teachers

For new and upcoming teachers, she encouraged finding what makes the profession worthwhile.

“Find your joy. Find what brings you joy. Set those foundations for your kids. You build those relationships—they can truly take you anywhere. And they will rise to the occasion for you. Most importantly, just have fun,” she said.

A celebration with big prizes

In addition to the honor, Tanner received a one-year lease of a brand-new BMW 228 Coupe Sedan from Taylor BMW, insurance coverage from Acrisure Insurance, and a $1,000 gas card from Affordable Auto Insurance.

As the Columbia County Teacher of the Year, Tanner will represent the district in the state competition.

The Teacher of the Year winner received a one-year lease of a BMW 228 Coupe Sedan, courtesy of Taylor BMW. Photo by Drew Wall

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