teachers

Mother-daughter duo Kelli Kitchen (left) and Vicky Matthews have spent their lives in education and their teaching legacy may continue on through Kitchen’s daughter, Allison. “She has her mind set on going into education as well,” Kitchen said. (Photo/Felix Scheyer)

Family ties run deep

Julianna Duennes Russ

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

There was a knock at the door of longtime educator Brian Lance’s office at Oglethorpe County High School. Jennifer Yauck, another teacher, poked her head in and smiled. “Here’s another one,” Lance said. He had been listing coworkers at OCHS that grew up in the school system and came back.

School system receives $10,000 in grants

News Staff

Thursday, February 1, 2024

The Oglethorpe County School System has been awarded $10,000 from the Rural Workforce Preparedness Grant, Sara Hughes, the director of federal programs, said in an email release to The Oglethorpe Echo.

The 2023-2024 teachers of the year (from left): Shonda Cronic, OCPS kindergarten; Lindsay Gregory, OCES gifted third-fifth grade teacher; Janet High, OCMS English teacher; Lee Jones, OCHS band director.

Teachers of the year inspired by students, community

Caleb Baldwin

Thursday, October 12, 2023

The Oglethorpe County School System teachers of the year were honored by the Board of Education at its meeting last week. The teachers shared their motivation and inspiration with The Oglethorpe Echo. Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

OC new teachers

New teachers look forward to opportunity

Caleb Baldwin

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Oglethorpe County schools introduced 26 new teachers and staff members this year. Four of them discussed their strategies and personal goals for this year with The Oglethorpe Echo. These answers have been edited for content and clarity.

Ruth Wilson is pictured leading the 2022 Winterville Marigold Festival Parade. She is on her parade horse, "Major." (Photo/ Ruth Wilson)

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Q&A: Wilson balances teaching, farming, battling sludge

Garrett Kicklighter

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Lexington resident Ruth Wilson is an ES paraprofessional at Oglethorpe County Elementary School, where she teaches third through fifth grades. She also owns Echo Hill Farm on Duck Pond Road and is a voice against sludge dumping in the county. Comments edited for length and clarity.

All four teachers of the year. From left: Tim Stoudenmire, Mary Kate Shealy, Erin Serrian, Laray Mask. (Submitted Photo)

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Teachers of the year selected for their dedication

Emily Rose Hamby

Thursday, November 3, 2022

This year’s Oglethorpe County School teachers of the year may come as no surprise to those in their classrooms, in part, because they are being honored for their teaching techniques and student support — even after they leave their classrooms each day.

Wade King, an education leader from Get Your Teach On, was one of the keynote speakers at the personal development event at Oglethorpe County Elementary School on Oct. 7. He and his wife, Hope King, worked with teachers on how to create engaging classrooms. (Photo/Megan Fitzgerald)

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Learning event at OCES focused on engagement

Megan Fitzgerald

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Swapping muted professional clothing for spunky ’90s fashion, Oglethorpe County teachers became students at a professional learning event on Oct. 7.

OCPS new teachers

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OCPS teachers share love of the job

Emily Rose Hamby

Thursday, September 22, 2022

The Oglethorpe County School System welcomed 28 new educators this year — 17 of whom teach at Oglethorpe County Primary School. The Oglethorpe Echo spoke with teachers and staff at OCPS about their goals for the school year and passion for teaching in Oglethorpe County.