The state Department of Education (GDOE) has named its new Teach in the Peach ambassadors and one each from Hall and White counties are included this year. They are Steven McIntyre, Hall County, and Holly Witcher, White County, 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year.
The ambassadors are local educators from around the state who will work throughout the year to “promote teaching as a rewarding career and support local and regional recruitment efforts.
Every Teach in the Peach ambassador will receive a stipend for their work to support teacher recruitment and retention. The first cohort of ambassadors is listed below, in alphabetical order by last name. The 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year will also serve as an ambassador after being named later this month.
- Farran Burnette, Thomas County
- Leigha Burnham, Chattooga County
- William Cooper, Houston County
- Oliver Ellis, Muscogee County
- Juléa Eppinger, Fulton County
- Joanna Haggerty, Long County
- Dalecia Hamilton, Troup County
- Rachel Kinsaul, Morgan County, 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year
- Chelsea Leming, Cherokee County
- Chante Luckie, Richmond County
- Crystal McDowell, Columbia County
- Steven McIntyre, Hall County
- Mary Mitchelson, Paulding County
- Alicia Reno, Decatur City
- Cameron Shuler, Greene County
- Ike Thompson, Houston County
- Candace Torrence, Marietta City
- Zach Towery, Stephens County
- Holly Witcher, White County, 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year
- Ashley Young, Lanier County