Beth Morgan, an Early Intervention Program teacher at Cherokee Elementary School, has been named Polk School District’s 2025-2026 Educator of the Year.
Morgan, a long-time faculty member at Cherokee Elementary, works with students who need additional support in English Language Arts and math. She was selected from among the 11 individual school-level Educators of the Year within the Polk School District.
The selection process included a written essay and an interview, evaluated by a panel of judges made up of business and industry professionals, retired educators, and educators from outside the district.
Each school’s Educator of the Year was also honored during a luncheon on Thursday, October 9, where principals shared remarks recognizing their staff members’ commitment to students and the school community.
Polk School District Superintendent Mark Lumpkin acknowledged all school-level winners, highlighting their leadership and dedication to education across the district.
2025-2026 Polk School District Educators of the Year:
- Ashley McGriff – Cedartown High School
- Clint Tanner – Cedartown Middle School
- Beth Morgan – Cherokee Elementary School (District Winner)
- Emily Stinson – Eastside Elementary School
- Jodi Knight – Northside Elementary School
- Jill Parker – Polk County College and Career Academy
- Nick Sikes – Rockmart High School
- Mark Winters – Rockmart Middle School
- Sandie Guthrie – Van Wert Elementary School
- Bree Whorton – Westside Elementary School
- Amanda Woodham – Youngs Grove Elementary School
