Dawn Ledford, Delaney Smith and Kristin Taylor
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Each year, Clay County Schools personnel choose Teachers of the Year among their peers. To do so, the staff from each school chooses someone from their school they feel exemplifies the mission of Clay County Schools. In early June, one of them will be chosen to be Clay County’s 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year.
The six people chosen as 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year for Clay County Schools are Hayesville High School Teacher of the Year Kim Chastain; Krysta English, Clay County Schools EC Educator of Excellence; Hayesville Elementary School Teacher of the Year Dana Heidbreder; Hayesville Primary School Teacher Assistant of the Year Dawn Ledford; Hayesville Primary School Teacher of the Year Delaney Smith and Hayesville Middle School Teacher of the Year Kristin Taylor.
This week, we meet three of them. Ledford has worked in education for five years. “Being a teacher has been my dream since I was a kid,“ she explained.
What does the Hayesville High School grad enjoy most? “Watching the kids grow throughout the year and all the hugs throughout the day.” Being named as the HPS Teacher Assistant of the Year and watching the video with her class are some of her most cherished memories from her years teaching.
Ledford was born in Blairsville to Edgar and Diane Anderson. She has two brothers, Daniel and Brian Anderson. After graduating from Hayesville High in 1998, she attended Tri County Community College where she earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood.
Ledford hopes every child takes away this lesson from her. “Every child is important. You matter, you are loved and adored. Follow your dreams and love much.”
HPS Principal Heather Plemmons said this about Ledford. “Ms. Dawn is undoubtedly one of the kindest souls on the face of the earth. Students adore her and are drawn to her kind heart and humble spirit. As an employee, she is committed, loyal and passionate about early childhood education.”
Smith has been with Clay County Schools for nine years; yet she is finishing year 17 as an educator. “As a child, I remember watching my teacher in awe. I thought she was the most captivating human on the planet,” she said, explaining why she chose to become a teacher. “I would go home, line up my stuffed animals and reenact the most awesome things she had done and said that day. I felt loved, challenged and valued. As a teacher myself, I understand the weight she had on her shoulders to teach and care for a class of young learners. However, all I realized at the time was I loved school and I loved my teacher because that is how she made me feel. It was experiences like this one and many others with wonderful educators that influenced me to become a teacher.”
Smith has collected lots of memories, but she shared some favorites. “A little girl asking me if I paint my hair after I had gotten highlights,” she smiled. “This year, one of my students said to another, ‘Don't worry, just raise your hand and Mrs. Delaney will be there in a jiffy to help you!’ In addition, the countless, ‘I love you's’ and hugs always brighten my day.”
She enjoys having a positive impact on students’ lives. “With every student I have, I think of my own children,” she added. “How I hope they feel about themselves as learners, the way I hope adults care for them and the things that are important to them. I treat each child in my classroom as if they were my own. I love being able to pour as much motivation and positivity I can into each student.”
Smith and her husband, Brian, have two children. Son, Beckham will be in third grade next school year. Daughter, Elle is four.
Principal Plemmons shared. “Ms. Delaney is a remarkable educator who also serves as a leader among her peers in many capacities. She exemplifies the heart of HPS, striving to create a welcoming, safe and supportive learning environment for every student.”
Smith ended by sharing how she wants her students to leave her classroom. “With the feeling that they have a strong foundation under their feet and the courage to chase any dream ahead of them.”
For 17 and half years, Taylor has taught at Hayesville Middle School. The first 16 and a half years, she taught sixth grade math. This last year, she has taught math to seventh grade.
“I cannot remember a time when I did not want to be a teacher,” Taylor said. “Growing up, I spent countless hours playing school — grading papers, teaching my pretend students and practicing my ‘teacher voice.’ Even then, I held my imaginary class to high standards, taking my role as their teacher very seriously. As I got older, that childhood dream never faded. Instead, it grew stronger. I began to see the impact great teachers could have, not just in helping students learn content, but in shaping their confidence, goals and overall outlook on math. I was fortunate to have teachers who inspired me, challenged me, believed in me and I knew I wanted to be that kind of influence for others.”
Taylor said she loves her time with her middle school students. “I know some people would prefer to steer clear of this age group, but I would not want to teach any other ages,” she added. “They are so fun to be around and there is never a dull moment in the life of a middle school teacher. So many students come to my classroom disliking math. My goal is for them to think that ‘math isn’t that bad,’ by the end of the school year.” She said most students meet the goal each year.
Taylor and husband, Shea, have been married almost 16 years. The couple has two children, 14-year-old Camden and 10-year-old Gracie. “We love to travel as often as possible, making memories in as many new destinations as we can,” Taylor said. “We also spend many hours cheering for our kids at baseball fields and basketball courts. I love to read and watch Netflix in my free time, as well as hang by the pool in the summertime.”
HMS Principal Tiffany Clapsaddle complimented Taylor. "Mrs. Taylor is a true educator at heart, she leads with purpose, teaches with passion and always puts students first. We are very fortunate to have her as part of our faculty.”
As her students end their time with her, Taylor wants them to know they can learn anything if they try. “That their ideas and thinking matter,” she continued. “When my students leave my class, I want them to know they are capable of doing math — even when it’s hard. I want them to feel confident tackling problems, thinking critically and not being afraid to make mistakes. I hope they leave knowing that math isn’t just about getting the right answer; it’s about making sense of things, asking questions and figuring stuff out. More than anything, I want them to see math as something they can use in real life — and not just in a textbook.”