Charm Mapp, an eighth-grade math teacher at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County, is the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year. State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the selection at a banquet held tonight at the Georgia Aquarium to celebrate all District Teachers of the Year.

Mapp was selected from among ten finalists for the Georgia Teacher of the Year recognition. Finalists were chosen from a pool of applicants, all previously selected as their school district’s Teacher of the Year. Applications were read and scored by a group of reviewers that included past Georgia of the Year winners and finalists, along with Georgia Department of Education representatives, and the 10 finalists met with a panel of judges for formal interviews and speeches in April.

“Charm Mapp makes mathematics come alive for her students through her classroom number talks and hands-on instruction,” Superintendent Woods said. “I can’t wait to see how she advocates for students, teachers, and schools throughout her time as Georgia Teacher of the Year. I offer my sincere congratulations to all of our District Teachers of the Year and our outstanding group of top ten finalists, all of whom showcase the very best our public schools have to offer. I look forward to continuing to work closely with each of them as members of my Teacher Advisory Council.”

With 23 years of experience in education, Charm Mapp serves as a gifted lead teacher at Clifton Ridge Middle School and supports the Jones County Virtual Academy. She is passionate about challenging students to embrace curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning through authentic mathematical thinking and the Gifted FIRE Project Showcase.

Mapp connects mathematics to the community in her classroom through number talks, which allow students to enhance their mathematics vocabulary through conversation. A year of number talks begins with visits from other teachers within the school – the band teacher stopping by to explain how the rhythm in music connects counting and math, or the art teacher sharing how symmetry and geometry influence design.

Later, members of the community get involved – from the mayor to local attorneys and newspaper editors. Students invite family members to give number talks, bringing their experience from fields such as accounting, healthcare, and business.

“It’s amazing to see over the course of the school year how students’ initial hesitancy transforms to shared empowerment as they encourage and validate the responses of their peers,” Mapp wrote in her application for Georgia Teacher of the Year. “With our class number talks, I’m able to engage students from all backgrounds and levels of ability. … Very quickly, the walls of our classroom dissolve as our class begins to brainstorm the different types of people they would like to come share in a class number talk with us.”

Throughout her career at Clifton Ridge Middle School, Mapp has mentored 19 student teachers, served as a partner teacher liaison, and worked as a pre-education instructor for Georgia College & State University. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in middle grades education and a specialist’s degree in curriculum & instruction from Georgia College & State University, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in curriculum and instruction.

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Mapp will serve as an advocate for public education in Georgia, speaking to the public about the teaching profession and serving as an ex-officio member of the State Board of Education. She will also participate in the competitive selection process for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year.

Georgia Teacher of the Year operates one year ahead to align with the national program; the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year will serve from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Runner-Up: Dr. Victor Fordham, Candler County

Dr. Victor Fordham is a social studies teacher at Metter High School in Candler County.

With 13 years of experience, Dr. Fordham teaches world history, U.S. history, and dual enrollment U.S. history. He also serves as the social studies department head and as an adjunct history instructor at the college level, helping students develop disciplinary literacy and a deep understanding of the connections between past and present.

Dr. Fordham earned a Doctor of Philosophy in History from Liberty University, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice College & Seminary, a Master of Arts in History from Liberty University, and bachelor’s degrees in history and education from Brewton-Parker College.

As the runner-up, Dr. Fordham will serve as an ex-officio member of the board of the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.

2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year Rachel Kinsaul

The outgoing Georgia Teacher of the Year is Rachel Kinsaul of Morgan County, who was also named a finalist for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Throughout her term, Kinsaul elevated the importance of remaining “Rooted in Service,” ultimately leading a Statewide Day of Service that engaged students in meaningful service learning and encouraged a focus on community connection, real-world learning, and civic responsibility.

At the Georgia Teacher of the Year Gala tonight, Superintendent Woods honored Kinsaul with a Statewide Service Award in recognition of her efforts and announced that the Statewide Day of Service will continue annually.

“Rachel Kinsaul has done a phenomenal job representing Georgia educators on the state and national stage,” Superintendent Woods said. “She brought to life a powerful vision of service and brought together students, educators, and schools across the state to serve their communities. I’m so proud of all she accomplished over the last year and look forward to continuing to work with her and ensuring her legacy of service continues.”