Newton County Schools (NCS) has named Taylor Moody its 2025 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at a ceremony on Wednesday evening.

Moody is a literature teacher at Newton College and Career Academy, where she has been since beginning her teaching career in 2020.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply honored to be named the 2025 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year,” Moody said. “It is humbling to be recognized alongside so many great educators. I am excited to use this platform to advocate for and become a voice for every teacher and student in our community.”

Moody earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in English Education, both from the University of Georgia. She is currently working on her teacher leadership training at Valdosta State University.

In the classroom, she teaches World Literature and Composition, Multicultural Literature and Composition, and Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition. She was also the 2024 Teacher of the Year Covington News VISIONS Youth of the Year Award winners Nevaeh Craven, Layla Crayon, Hulet Neely and Shania Stewart.

For the Teacher of the Year award, Moody received $1,000 in cash, a crystal vase from the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and a free three-month car rental from Covington Ford. She will now also represent NCS in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program.

This year's runners-up are Brian Coates of Alcovy High School and Heather Wood of Eastside High School. Both also received a crystal vase award from the Chamber of Commerce.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III congratulated the young teacher in an NCS press release.

“On behalf of Newton County Schools, I congratulate Ms. Taylor Moody on being named the 2025 Teacher of the Year,” Bradley said. “MS. Moody exemplifies the commitment, passion and excellence we strive for in education and we are confident that she will represent us with distinction in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program. We are proud of her “To have her as an ambassador for Newton County Schools and know that she will continue to inspire both her students and colleagues with her commitment to excellence in the classroom.”

Newton County Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Harper also sent her congratulations.

“Congratulations to Ms. Taylor Moody on this outstanding achievement,” Harper said. “The Chamber is honored to support our educators and help recognize the incredible work being done in our schools. Ms. Moody's passion for teaching and commitment to her students are truly inspiring. We are excited to have her represent Newton County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program and know she will make us all proud.”

Moody said she is extremely grateful for the support she has received throughout her short but successful teaching career.

“First, I want to give all honor and praise to God. There were countless nights where I prayed for strength and the assurance that I would make a difference in the lives of my students,” Moody said. “Some mornings I would pray over the desks and ask for guidance as the students came in, knowing how much they were carrying. I am here today because of His grace and guidance.

“I want to thank my second family at Newton College and Career Academy – our incredible administration, my fellow teachers, colleagues, counselors, custodians and lunch staff – thank you for making me the educator I am today .” They supported, encouraged and challenged me in ways that made all the difference.

“I would like to thank my husband for supporting me through the long nights and endless projects for my students. Thank you for your unwavering support. To my daughter for motivating me to work toward a better future for public education, and to my amazing parents, siblings, family, and former educators who have always encouraged me, taught me, showed up, and given me advice – thank you from everyone deep within my heart. And finally, I would like to thank my students – past, present and future. They are my inspiration and they push me to grow and be the best version of Mrs. Moody that I can be.

“In 2005, Steve Jobs said during the Harvard commencement speech, 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.' And I can honestly say: I love what I do because of every single person who has been a part of my journey.