Calhoun City Schools is proud to announce the 2025-2026 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year recipients from each of our schools. These outstanding individuals exemplify excellence in education and service, and we are grateful for the impact they make each day across our district.
Calhoun Early Learning Academy Names 2025-2026 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year
Calhoun Early Learning Academy is proud to announce Ms. Amy Tate as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and Ms. Karen Moss as Staff Member of the Year.
Teacher of the Year: Ms. Amy Tate
Currently serving as a Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Amy Tate exemplifies quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and a deep love for her students. She brings consistency, grace, and excellence to our school each day—always working with heart, never seeking recognition.
Though soft-spoken, her impact is powerful and lasting. She consistently implements best practices, creates a nurturing and structured learning environment, and leads with patience and compassion. Her classroom is a model of calm, focus, and academic success.
Colleagues describe her as flexible, dependable, and deeply kind. She’s the teammate who listens with intention, steps in to support others without hesitation, and leads by example with professionalism and care. Her behind-the-scenes efforts and steadfast leadership are a gift to our school community.
We are truly grateful for the love she pours into her students and the lasting impact she makes each day. It is with great pride that we celebrate Ms. Amy Tate as our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year.
Staff Member of the Year: Ms. Karen Moss
Known as the heart of Calhoun Early Learning Academy, Ms. Karen Moss is the calm in the chaos, the smile behind the desk, and the glue that keeps it all together. Her dedication, warmth, and ability to juggle a million tasks with grace make her truly irreplaceable.
Whether answering phones, assisting students, supporting staff, or navigating challenging conversations, she handles it all with humor, professionalism, and heart. She is often the first friendly face that greets families, students, and visitors—and her presence instantly puts others at ease.
Her colleagues describe her as the person who “does the job of 10 people.” She is known for going above and beyond, keeping things running seamlessly even on the busiest days, and bringing joy and compassion to every situation.
We are deeply thankful for her tireless work and are proud to recognize Ms. Karen Moss as our Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026.
Calhoun Primary School Names 2025-2026 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year
Calhoun Primary School is proud to recognize Ms. Ashley McGill as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and Ms. Wendy Trundle as Staff Member of the Year.
Teacher of the Year: Ms. Ashley McGill
Selected by her peers, Ms. Ashley McGill has been named Calhoun Primary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. This school year marks her 20th year in education and her sixth year at CPS, where she currently teaches second grade.
Ms. McGill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Reinhardt University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College, and a Specialist’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University. She also serves as the math lead for her second-grade team, providing instructional leadership and support.
Ashley’s classroom is a space where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is modeled, and every child feels seen and valued. She brings creativity, care, and enthusiasm to every lesson and interaction—whether staying late to support a colleague, baking treats for students and staff, or showing up fully decked out for dress-up days.
Her colleagues describe her as a dedicated and dependable team player who leads and teaches with heart. She is known for going above and beyond in everything she does, always striving to create meaningful learning experiences and positive relationships with her students and peers.
Ms. McGill embodies what it means to be an EXCEL leader, and we are proud to honor her outstanding contributions to our school community.
Congratulations to Ms. Ashley McGill, our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year!
Staff Member of the Year: Ms. Wendy Trundle
Congratulations to Ms. Wendy Trundle, who has been selected by her peers as Calhoun Primary School’s Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026. Wendy currently serves as the school’s receptionist, where her warm presence, professionalism, and caring demeanor set the tone for all who enter.
This is Wendy’s ninth year at CPS, and during that time she has become the heart of our front office—managing busy schedules, answering phones, welcoming guests, and offering a calm, reassuring presence to students, families, and staff alike.
Her colleagues describe her as organized, dedicated, enthusiastic, and endlessly patient. She brings knowledge, compassion, and a can-do attitude to everything she does, always going the extra mile to support teachers, staff, and students. Wendy has seamlessly stepped into her role and continues to make a lasting impact on our school culture.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Wendy Trundle as part of the CPS family and are proud to recognize her as our Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026!
Calhoun Elementary School Celebrates 2025-2026 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year
Calhoun Elementary School is proud to honor Mrs. Jamie Williams as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Hope Coots as the 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year.
Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Jamie Williams
Mrs. Jamie Williams exemplifies excellence in education through her unwavering commitment, innovative practices, and deep care for her students. This school year marks her 12th year in education and her 10th as a valued member of the Calhoun Elementary School team. She currently teaches 5th grade math, science, and social studies.
Mrs. Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Shorter University, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College, and an endorsement in Gifted Education. She is known as a quiet force within our school—leading with calm confidence, steady professionalism, and an authentic love for teaching.
Her classroom is a space of academic rigor, encouragement, and inspiration—where students are challenged, supported, and believed in. A reflective and forward-thinking educator, Mrs. Williams leaves a lasting impression on her students. Former students often return to express their gratitude, a true testament to her enduring impact.
In addition to her classroom leadership, she is a trusted mentor and dependable colleague. Her humility, tireless work ethic, and genuine care make her a pillar of the CES community. Though she never seeks the spotlight, her daily efforts shine bright.
Mrs. Williams is married to Scott Williams, and they have two children: Dawson, a pharmacy student at the University of Georgia, and Emma, who is studying nursing at Samford University.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Jamie Williams, Calhoun Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026!
Staff Member of the Year: Mrs. Hope Coots
Calhoun Elementary School is proud to announce Mrs. Hope Coots as the 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year. Now in her third year at CES, Mrs. Coots has quickly become an essential member of our school family—known for her strong work ethic, positive spirit, and unwavering dedication.
Hope is currently pursuing her degree in education from Phoenix University and is set to graduate next spring. She is married to Chase Coots, and they have two children, Paisley and Palmer.
Throughout her time at CES, Mrs. Coots has consistently gone above and beyond to support her 4th grade team and contribute to the greater school community. She’s known for taking initiative, stepping in wherever help is needed, and completing every task with excellence—often before being asked.
Her colleagues describe her as reliable, compassionate, and an uplifting presence. Whether assisting students, collaborating with staff, or working behind the scenes, she does it all with grace, humility, and heart.
Mrs. Coots truly embodies what it means to be a team player, and we are so fortunate to have her at CES.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Hope Coots as our Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026!
Calhoun Middle School Announces 2025-2026 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year
Calhoun Middle School is proud to recognize Mrs. Tina Jackson as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Tasha Montgomery as the 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year.
Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Tina Jackson
Calhoun Middle School is honored to celebrate Mrs. Tina Jackson as our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. A 15-year educator, Mrs. Jackson exemplifies the qualities of a true teacher-leader—dedicated, innovative, and deeply committed to student success.
A proud alumna of Calhoun City Schools, Tina was an active member of the CHS Marching Band and a basketball cheerleader. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Berry College and is certified in Middle Grades Social Studies, Special Education, and STEM. She currently teaches Social Studies and STEM at CMS, where her classroom is a hub of critical thinking, exploration, and real-world learning.
Tina has a passion for hands-on, community-driven education. She led the creation of the CMS Community Garden alongside her students in collaboration with the City of Calhoun—a powerful example of learning beyond the classroom. Her colleagues describe her as the “bee’s knees,” always leading with heart, positivity, and a spirit of collaboration.
Known for building strong relationships, Mrs. Jackson is a tireless advocate for her students and a supportive teammate to her peers. Her innovative lessons, steady leadership, and authentic care have a lasting impact on the CMS community.
Tina is married to Jerry Jackson, and they have two sons, Chase and Cole. She also enjoys life on her family farm—an extension of her love for learning, nature, and community.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Tina Jackson, Calhoun Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026!
Staff Member of the Year: Mrs. Tasha Montgomery
Calhoun Middle School proudly recognizes Mrs. Tasha Montgomery as the 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year. Mrs. Montgomery serves as an ESS paraprofessional and is known for her warmth, flexibility, and unwavering dedication to students and staff.
Tasha grew up in Adairsville, Georgia, where she played both basketball and softball at Adairsville High School. She is married to Matt Montgomery, who also works for Calhoun City Schools. They have two children—Blair, a student at Calhoun High School, and Harper, a student at Calhoun Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, relaxing by the pool, and being outdoors.
At CMS, Tasha is often the first smiling face students see each morning. She provides invaluable support to ESS students with patience, compassion, and encouragement—making a meaningful impact that doesn’t go unnoticed. Her colleagues describe her as a light within the school—someone who uplifts others, steps in wherever needed, and does so with a positive attitude and gracious spirit.
Tasha is a true team player whose kindness, reliability, and joyful energy enrich the entire school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on the CMS team.
Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Tasha Montgomery as Calhoun Middle School’s Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026!
Calhoun High School Announces 2025-2026 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year
Calhoun High School is proud to recognize Mrs. Adrienne Chadwick as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Kim Hawkins as the 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year.
Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Adrienne Chadwick
Calhoun High School proudly announces Mrs. Adrienne Chadwick as our Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. A dedicated educator and respected leader within our school, Mrs. Chadwick has long been a cornerstone of the Calhoun community.
Adrienne began her career with Calhoun City Schools in 2002, serving until 2008, and returned in 2012. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles across our schools and currently leads as the CTI (Career Technical Instruction) Coordinator at CHS. She is certified in Exceptional Student Services, Middle Grades Language Arts, and Early Childhood Education.
Adrienne and her husband, Joe, have two sons—Cohen, a 2024 CHS graduate, and Hudson, who will graduate with the Class of 2027. Her long-standing ties to the district have helped her build meaningful and lasting relationships with students, families, and staff alike.
Colleagues describe Mrs. Chadwick as selfless, compassionate, and fiercely committed to supporting students. She is known for her kindness, generosity with her time, and her ability to promote positivity and equity within our school. She leads with her heart and gives her all to ensure every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
Mrs. Chadwick truly exemplifies what it means to be an educator—passionate, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile. We are thrilled to honor her for her outstanding service and impact.
Congratulations to Mrs. Adrienne Chadwick, Calhoun High School’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026!
Staff Member of the Year: Mrs. Kim Hawkins
Calhoun High School is proud to recognize Mrs. Kim Hawkins as our Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026. Kim began her career as a paraprofessional in 2009 and now serves as the Registrar for both Calhoun Middle and High School.
Kim is married to Justin Hawkins, and together they have two sons, Will and Luke, both graduates of Calhoun City Schools. Her commitment to our school system runs deep, and her work ethic and positivity leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Kim is often the first car in the parking lot and the last to leave in the afternoon. Her colleagues describe her as selfless, dependable, and an invaluable part of our team. She welcomes new families with warmth, patience, and professionalism, making a strong first impression that reflects the heart of our school.
Whether she’s managing records, answering questions, or supporting students and families behind the scenes, Kim does it all with grace and a can-do spirit. Her calm presence, strong work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a true asset to CHS.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Kim Hawkins, Calhoun High School’s Staff Member of the Year for 2025-2026!
