2023-2024 Teachers of the Year

Mr. Luke Christopher

Luke Christopher, better known as “Mr. C” to his students, teaches at Hart County High School located in Hart County, Georgia. Mr. C teaches Geometry for 9th/10th grades. He received his Bachelor of Education for Secondary Education in Mathematics degree from Emmanuel College, then proceeded to receive his Master’s and Specialist from Piedmont College - now Piedmont University. This year Mr. C received Teacher of the Year for HCHS and the WYFF Channel 4 News Golden Apple Award – a local television station award. The nomination, written by a former student, detailed the impact he made on her life four years ago. He wears many hats including bus driver, counselor, and sometimes, father figure. Mr. C is normally one of the first teachers to get to school and the last ones to leave. Mr. C strives to impact students’ lives and he does this by being a stable character at Hart County High School. He strives to be in attendance every day so he can be there for his students, even for the ones he has never taught before. When he is rarely absent, students will complain about it to his neighboring educator. Students find his classroom to be a safe place for them to grow in education and maturity. As this is only the beginning of his career, Mr. C hopes to continue to be a pillar at HCHS and a light for all of the students he has taught and will teach for years to come.

Mr. Leland Jones

Leland Jones is a dedicated and experienced educator currently serving as a fourth-year Special Education teacher at Hart County Middle School in Hartwell, Georgia. Leland holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with a focus in math and science from Emmanuel College, where he gained a solid foundation in inclusive education practices. He has also earned his Master of Education degree in instructional technology from Georgia Southern University. Leland is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in instructional technology with a focus in Special Education from the American College of Education. 

Leland has proven to be a compassionate and effective teacher throughout his four years of education experience. He has a deep understanding of the unique learning needs of his students and is skilled at differentiating instruction to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to succeed. Leland's expertise in supporting students and colleagues with diverse abilities and learning challenges has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and students' families.

Leland's commitment to his student's success is evident in his proactive approach to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment. He creates engaging lessons incorporating hands-on activities, technology integration, and real-world connections to make learning meaningful and accessible. Leland's pedagogical priorities include promoting critical thinking skills, building self-confidence, and fostering a love of learning in his students.

Leland Jones' enthusiasm for teaching, expertise in special education, and commitment to academic excellence and growth continue to positively impact the lives of his students and the educational community.

Mrs. Britney Morrison

Mrs. Britney Morrison is currently a fifth-grade teacher at Hartwell Elementary School. Hartwell Elementary is located in Hartwell, Georgia. 

Mrs. Morrison graduated with honors (MAGNA CUM LAUDE) and earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Emmanuel College. She also earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education, and Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, from Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia. 

Mrs. Morrison has been teaching for nine years and has taught first, fourth and special education. Mrs. Morrison’s goal is to create a fun, engaging, and safe environment that is conducive to learning. Mrs. Morrison has a passionate and energetic personality as well as a positive mindset which creates a welcoming environment for all.  

She is married to Rakolya Morrison and they have two children Khloe and Kace. She enjoys spending time with God and her family . 

Mrs. Morrison’s dedication and commitment to being a positive role model for her students and her colleagues are commendable! Mrs. Morrison’s teaching philosophy is that no students are the same but ALL students are capable of learning. It is her belief that building relationships amongst students and their families is the key to a successful learning environment. She strongly believes that when students and parents know that you genuinely care, they will put the effort into what is asked for them to do. 

As a teacher leader, Mrs. Morrison wants all teachers to remember their WHY as an educator. A teacher’s WHY is what will bring them through those difficult moments within their career.

Mrs. Sommer Morris

Sommer Morris is currently a kindergarten teacher at South Hart Elementary School in Hartwell, Georgia. Mrs. Morris graduated and earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Emmanuel College. She earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Liberty University, and her Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, from Piedmont College.

She has been teaching for ten years and has taught third grade, Special Education, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Mrs. Morris has obtained several endorsements throughout her career. She is endorsed in math, science, ESOL and most recently gifted.
She is the wife of Christopher Morris and the mother of her three children, Grayson, Lawson, and Jameson. She and her husband are the owners of Royston Bright Promises Children's Center in Royston, Georgia. Mrs. Morris is a leader in her community, church, and school. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, attending Georgia Bulldog games, and spending time on the lake.

Mrs. Morris’s goal is to make lifelong learners through providing experiences in her teaching that are rich and engaging to all students. Her teaching philosophy is that one only has eight hours a day, five days a week, and one hundred and eighty days to make the biggest impact in a student's life. It is up to educators to create memorable, exciting and rigorous learning experiences to meet the learning needs of all students. One must modify, differentiate and enrich content to meet academic needs. Dedication, positivity, and commitment to her students and the ones around her are notable.

Ms. Nikki Bowers

Ms. Nikki Bowers is currently a 2nd grade teacher at North Hart Elementary in Bowersville, Georgia. Ms. Bowers earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree from Piedmont College in 2009. Ms. Bowers received her Dyslexia endorsement in 2022 and also completed the Level 1 Google Certified Educator certificate in 2022. She is currently working to complete certification as a Level 2 Google Certified Educator.

Ms. Bowers has been teaching for 14 years and has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. She has been a grade level representative for 5 years. 

Ms. Bowers believes building relationships with her students and their families is one of the most important roles she is blessed to have. Students who trust their teacher and who know their teacher loves and believes in them will work as hard as they possibly can to achieve the goals they have set together. This holds true for the families of these students as well. It is absolutely incredible to see what students can accomplish, both academically and personally, when they feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and try again and again until they see the success they have been looking for.