The Hall County School District announced that Heather Duren, media specialist at Everwood Elementary School, has been selected as the 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year.
“Heather Duren brings everything that is great about teaching into the learning commons at Everwood Elementary School,” said Suzanne Jarrard, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “She sets high expectations while fostering student engagement, strengthening student voice, building student efficacy, and instilling a joy for learning through meaningful connections with others.”
According to the district, Jarrard and Superintendent Will Schofield surprised Duren Tuesday afternoon with her win alongside Everwood Elementary School leadership.
“From the moment Everwood opened its doors, Heather has been a source of positivity and inspiration,” said Everwood Principal Laurie Hitzges. “She has created a Learning Commons where students feel welcomed and excited to learn. Her passion for literacy and student engagement is evident in every aspect of her work.
Duren will now move on to compete for the honor of the 2027 Teacher of the Year for the state of Georgia. She will also receive a check for 10,000 dollars from the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation. The foundation has provided the check to every HCSD Teacher of the Year since 2019.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized as both Everwood Elementary’s and Hall County’s Teacher of the Year,” said Duren. “Our first year at Everwood has been incredible, and I could not have asked for a better staff to work alongside. This dedicated group of professionals works tirelessly each day to provide meaningful learning experiences for our students, and it is an honor to represent them.
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