Chasity Hurst is Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year.  Hurst was selected through nominations from her teacher colleagues, as well as through an interview process with past Teachers of the Year at the school.

Hurst is known for her humble charm and has been nominated three times during her 17 years as a second grade teacher at Garrison-Pilcher, but each time she declined, admitting that she feels very comfortable talking to students but was uncomfortable talking about herself before a committee.

“Once I did the interview this year, I felt so comfortable and was able to just be myself,” said Hurst. “I definitely feel honored to have been chosen.”

Garrison-Pilcher’s Teacher of the Year for 2022-23 Tanishia Barnhart was a member of the panel who interviewed Hurst.  Barnhart noticed Hurst’s positive, natural disposition and the authenticity of her responses.

“It is evident that she recognizes what her students need academically as well as emotionally and provides them with ample opportunities for modeling and self-correction,” said Barnhart.

Audrey Harper (2021 Teacher of the Year) listed out the criteria for selection that was outstanding in Hurst:  student interaction, professional behavior, classroom management, self-reflection, patience, communication/listening skills, and a passion for teaching.

“Her passion for teaching was evident in every question she answered,” Harper said.  “It was not rehearsed; her answers came from her heart.”

Building relationships with her students and parents is at the core of Hurst’s philosophy on student achievement.  She makes it clear to parents that they act as a team and want the same thing:  for a child to be successful.

“Teachers won’t see achievement until there is a strong relationship,” said Hurst.

Hurst’s relationship building has led her to know how her students have changed and evolved through the years as well as the world into which they will enter one day.  She said that college is one choice, but there are lots of opportunities for kids to enter all types of careers.

“Kids should follow their dreams; we want to push, but the focus should be on what may make them happy,” said Hurst.

Kylene VanHeiningen (2017 Teacher of the Year) attests to the effectiveness of Hurst’s structured classroom environment.

“She works well with students and co-teachers to provide the necessary accommodations and interventions for all of her students to succeed,” said VanHeiningen.  “She won’t hesitate to advocate for her students in a professional manner and works cooperatively with her colleagues to ensure the students’ success.”

Garrison-Pilcher Principal Amy Tyson views Hurst as an excellent role model for her colleagues.

“Hurst is very quiet, but listens loudly,” said Tyson. “Her students quickly build trust and respect for her early in the year.  She treats all students the same and sets high goals for each child.” 

Tyson also emphasized Hurst’s strong work ethic, focus on differentiation, and continuous monitoring of student data. Hurst does this for her students and her class data shows it. 

“It is impossible to walk into a classroom when the bell rings to teach and leave when the buses pull out of the parking lot. Each student is unique, and Mrs. Hurst plans for each child -- not for an entire class,” Tyson added.

Hurst fondly remembers two educators who inspired her teaching.  Hurst’s Youth Minister taught moral lessons in hand-on ways that made an impact on her far more than any lecture.  She also distinctly remembers her second grade teacher stopping everything and reading to her students. 

“It really instilled a knowledge of the importance and a love of reading in us at a young age,” said Hurst. 

Hurst is a graduate of Thomas County Central High School, earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2006 from Thomas University, and returned to the Thomas County School System as a second grade teacher teaching all subject areas.  She has taught special education inclusion, Early Intervention Program (EIP), gifted, and regular education students.  Hurst enjoys writing classroom books with her students and has won school-wide awards with several of their stories. Some of the titles include The Biggest Heart Ever and Kids to the Rescue. Hurst is a member of the district-wide School Improvement Team, unit writing teams, and Positive Behavior Management System (PBIS) to promote positive behavior in the school. 

She is married to her husband Joe, and they have two daughters: Jaleigh, a 7th grader at Thomas County Middle School, and Charleigh, a 2nd grader at Garrison-Pilcher. In their free time Hurst and her family own Brown Family Farms in which they provide show cattle for Georgia and the surrounding areas.

Hurst makes it a priority to foster social and emotional learning.

Hurst added, “I feel strongly that students need to feel loved and accepted by their peers and teachers in order to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.”