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.”
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.”
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.
