Clay County Teachers of the Year

By Lorrie Ross

Staff Writer

Clay County Schools personnel announced the Teachers of the Year for 2024-2025. The staff from each school nominates and chooses someone from their school they feel exemplifies the mission of the schools each year. Then, one person from among them is chosen by their peers to be Clay County’s District Teacher of the Year.

Clay County Schools 24-25 District Teacher of the Year is Susan Rexroad, who will go on to compete for the Regional Teacher of the Year in a few months. There were five other educators honored. Hayesville Primary School staff chose Melissa Cheeks as 24-25 HPS Teacher of the Year and Misty Jeffries was named HPS 24-25 Teacher Assistant of the Year.

Clay County Schools 24-25 Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence is Emily Hensley. Meanwhile, Hayesville Middle School named Elizabeth Moss as the HMS 24-25 Teacher of the Year. Amy Trout was chosen as the Hayesville High School 24-25 Teacher of the Year. This week and next, we will introduce you to these wonderful ladies starting with Clay County’s District Teacher of the Year Susan Rexroad.

"I am proud to call Susan Rexroad our District Teacher of the Year,” Clay Schools Superintendent Melissa Godfrey said. “Susan embraces being a lifelong learner and is always looking for innovative ways to reach her students and help them succeed. She is a master at identifying and filling in gaps in learning, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve."

Hayesville Elementary School Karissa Teague agreed. ”We are extremely proud to honor Mrs. Rexroad as Hayesville Elementary School's Teacher of the Year,” she said. “Her impact extends far beyond her own classroom walls. She is a strong teacher-leader and a valued collaborator on her team. Susan is a lifelong learner. She consistently advocates for her students, ensuring they receive the support and guidance needed to reach their full potential.”

Rexroad currently teaches third grade at HES, but she began as a teaching assistant 18 years ago after returning to her hometown of Hayesville. “A family accident brought me back from Charlotte to Hayesville,” she explained. “Originally working in the printing industry, I found myself drawn to education when opportunities in printing became scarce, discovering a true passion for teaching along the way.”

She realized how much she enjoyed working with students, so she pursued a teaching degree. “What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing students grow, discover their potential and develop a lifelong love for learning,” she explained, sharing one of her fondest teaching memories. “During a lesson on multiplication, a student confidently raised their hand and announced, ‘I think I figured out why 'times' in math is like the 'X' in 'X-Men.' It's because math makes us all superheroes.’ I couldn't help but chuckle at the clever analogy and the class burst into laughter at the idea of math transforming them into superheroes. It was a light-hearted moment that was a reminder of the fun and imagination that can be found in learning.”

Rexroad feels honored to have been chosen as HES Teacher of the Year. “I am also honored to be named the District Teacher of the Year, representing Clay County School District,” she said. “To prepare for the Regional Teacher of the Year, I am reflecting on my teaching experiences, compiling evidence of my impact, staying current with educational trends and refining my presentation skills.”

Rexroad attended Appalachian State University after she graduated from Hayesville High School. “Following graduation from ASU, I relocated to Hickory and later to Charlotte where I worked in the printing industry for 18 years. I moved back to Hayesville in 2000 to help my mom and dad raise my nephew, Orren,” she said. She attended Western Governors University for her teaching degree.

When asked about her family, she smiled. “I have been happily married to Kevin for 20 years. We have a son, Connor, who is 19 and attends the University of Northwestern Ohio. Orren and his wife Judy have just welcomed a baby girl, Edith Leigh, who was born 16 weeks early.”

Rexroad ended, “I would like every student to leave with a passion for learning, confidence to pursue their dreams and kindness to make a positive impact on the world.”

Teague added, “One of her colleagues perfectly captured her essence, ‘Susan has found her niche as a third-grade teacher, and her impact on her students and colleagues alike is nothing short of remarkable. With a smile on her face and an ear always ready to listen, she embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator.’ We are so proud of Susan and so blessed to have her on our team at HES.”