Hailey Howdyshell named Marietta City Schools Teacher of the Year

Marietta, GA – Hailey Howdyshell, a first-grade teacher at Hickory Hills Elementary School, has been named the Marietta City Schools (MCS) 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year.

“My goal has always been to give students a place where they feel seen, capable, and cared for,” said Howdyshell. “Teaching is about showing up, for kids, for families, and for each other, and never settling for ‘just enough.’”

Now in her eighth year in the classroom and her fifth with Marietta City Schools, Howdyshell brings a deep commitment to student growth and teacher leadership. She currently serves as team leader for first grade at Hickory Hills and is a member of the MCS Literacy Leadership Team.

Howdyshell holds both a Bachelor of Science in Early and Elementary Education and a Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds endorsements in ESOL and Orton-Gillingham Level 2 and actively mentors student teachers, helping to shape the next generation of educators.

She’s known for bringing creativity and joy into the classroom, organizing themed instructional days that make learning memorable. After wrapping up a rigorous literacy unit, she helped design a “Book Tasting” experience for all 85 first graders at Hickory Hills—transforming classrooms into literary cafés, complete with chef hats, genre menus, and cozy reading nooks. The event not only celebrated students’ hard work but also deepened their love of books and reading. 

“Hailey represents the best of who we are,” said Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. “She turns challenge into purpose, routine into joy, and every child into a believer in themselves. She’s not just a teacher of the year—she’s the kind of educator who leaves a mark that lasts a lifetime.”

Teachers of the Year are nominated by their peers and selected through a rigorous process that includes classroom observations, interviews, and written applications. The program celebrates educators who help students “Be Somebody” by fostering belonging, curiosity, and confidence every day.

This year’s recognition took place at the 2025 Employee Awards and Teacher of the Year Luncheon, made possible thanks to the generous support of our Platinum Sponsors: Ed Voyles Automotive Group, North Metro Church, and S.A. White Oil.