Half of the educators recognized as 2026 Teachers of the Year in the Muscogee County School District are graduates of Columbus State University. The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) announced that out of 53 honorees, 26 hold degrees from Columbus State, with several having earned multiple degrees from the institution.
The announcement took place on January 29 at Columbus State’s Schwob School of Music Legacy Hall. MEEF coordinates the annual selection and recognition process for teachers in partnership with the school district.
“This program is about more than awards,” said Marquette McKnight, executive director of MEEF. “It’s about recognition, respect and gratitude for the people who show up every day and make a real difference in the lives of our children. When we invest in great teachers, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. It shapes our entire community.”
Each year, staff at every Muscogee County School District (MCSD) school select their Teacher of the Year. These individuals then become nominees for district-level honors. A committee made up of business and education leaders reviews applications to select ten semifinalists, interviews them to pick three finalists, and observes those finalists in classrooms before naming a district winner.
The district-level Teacher of the Year will be announced at MEEF’s annual gala on May 7 at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. Tickets will be available starting March 23 at the RiverCenter Box Office for $70 each.
Several recent recipients have advanced from school-level honors to receive top district awards or statewide recognition:
– Amanda Zarate (’16, ’19) was honored in 2025.
– Christie Akers (’03, ’07) received recognition in 2024.
– Vanessa Ellis (’11, ‘19) won in 2022 and was later Georgia Teacher of the Year runner-up in 2024.
– Lisa Seegar (’00) received her award in 2021 and became a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year in 2022.
According to MCSD data, over half of its approximately 5,500 educators hold degrees from Columbus State University. This is partly due to a partnership launched in 2019 called “CSU Teaching Contract Guarantee.” The program ensures a teaching contract within MCSD for any graduate who passes student teaching requirements and meets state certification standards.
Columbus State University offers degree programs ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral levels through its College of Education & Health Professions. Programs are available on campus, online or as hybrids for those pursuing careers as teachers or educational leaders.
Columbus State University began as a two-year college but has expanded into a public institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple campuses while focusing on academic achievement and community partnerships (source). The university emphasizes servant leadership as part of its mission (source), supports regional education through off-campus centers (source), operates within Georgia’s higher education system (source), and holds accreditation from SACSCOC (source).
A full list names all alumni among this year’s school-level Teachers of the Year honorees across various elementary, middle and high schools within Muscogee County.
For further information about Columbus State University’s educational offerings or its role within regional education development efforts visit the official website.
