August 7, 2026 — Every teacher's journey is different. Some discover their calling early in life. Others find education after pursuing other careers. Some inspire students through science, others through language, and still others through the performing arts. This year's Cobb Schools District Teachers of the Year prove there is no single path to becoming an extraordinary educator. 

While their stories are unique, this year's three District Level Teachers of the Year share one defining characteristic: an unwavering commitment to helping every student discover their potential. 

Ebony Collier: Creating Confidence Through the Arts 

When Superintendent Chris Ragsdale surprised Tapp Middle School teacher Ebony Collier with the news that she had been named Cobb's Middle School Level Teacher of the Year, she was stunned. 

"I was shocked," Collier said. "When you do things, it's not always to be celebrated. It's to see the kids succeed." 

Collier never planned on becoming a traditional educator. She entered the profession through Georgia's alternative certification program, relying on mentors, classroom observations, and professional learning to build her teaching practice. Rather than seeing her unconventional journey as a disadvantage, she believes it has become one of her greatest strengths. 

"I know what it's like to not get it right the first time," she said. "Because of that, I'm able to give students additional chances."

Drawing from her own performance background, Collier recognized that students were eager for more opportunities in theater. With the support of school leaders, she transformed her middle school fine arts program by introducing theater experiences that quickly became some of the school's most popular offerings. Students who once lacked confidence now envision futures on Broadway and beyond. 

"I want them to know they can do anything," Collier said. "I hope they see they can do it too." For Collier, the award represents more than personal recognition. "I always try to lift other people up," she said. "But I've realized you have to celebrate yourself, too. This honor reminds me that the hard work and the long hours are not in vain." 

Kylie Hardy: Opening Doors Through Language 

For Mableton Elementary School ESOL teacher Kylie Hardy the surprise announcement was almost too much to process. 

"I froze," Hardy recalled. "I started putting the pieces together, and it was just surreal." 

Now in her 12th year as an educator, Hardy's path wasn't always easy. After a challenging start in the classroom, she discovered her passion when she transitioned to teaching English to multilingual learners. Today, she serves as the ESOL lead teacher at Mableton Elementary, helping students from around the world develop the language skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. 

"I get many students who come into this country knowing absolutely nothing," Hardy said. "Some have never even been in school before." Watching those students gain confidence in English is what motivates her every day."

That progress makes the recognition especially meaningful.

"This honor validates that what I'm doing matters," she said. Hardy also hopes her story encourages educators to persevere through the difficult moments. "I almost quit this profession several times," she said. "But finding ESOL reminded me exactly why I wanted to teach." 

Hardy credits Cobb Schools' collaborative culture and investment in educator growth for helping both teachers and students succeed. In addition to leading her school's ESOL team, she is among hundreds of Cobb teachers selected for Georgia's BEST, the district's teacher development program, and is on track to graduate in December. 

"I appreciate how much they support teachers so that we can support kids," Hardy said. "Georgia's BEST has been huge. It reminded me why I decided to go back to school, and it's been fantastic."

Lisa Peacock: Making Learning an Adventure 

Before she ever stepped into a public school classroom as a teacher, Osborne High School teacher Lisa Peacock spent decades working with children. Although this is only her eighth year teaching in Cobb, she has spent more than 30 years mentoring, tutoring, and inspiring young people. 

Receiving the High School Teacher of the Year honor affirmed something she has believed throughout her career: learning should be active, engaging, and fun. "I think outside the box," Peacock said. "Learning doesn't always have to be boring. It can be innovative. It can be action." 

Earlier in her career, that philosophy wasn't always embraced. She remembers being discouraged from taking students outside or incorporating games into lessons. For years, she questioned whether teaching was truly where she belonged. When she returned to education years later, she found a profession that valued creativity and student engagement. "I was just before my time," she said with a smile.

Today, her biology classroom reflects that philosophy, giving students opportunities to explore science through movement, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Peacock says the greatest reward isn't the recognition itself but knowing her classroom is a place where students feel safe, supported, and valued. 

"I want our students to leave my class knowing it's a safe space," she said, "that they are loved, that they are safe, and that they're safe to learn."

Congratulations to Cobb Schools 2026 District Teachers of the Year!