THOMASVILLE- Mandy Rice, a third-grade ELA teacher, is Cross Creek Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. Rice has been with Thomas County Schools for a total of 17 years, beginning her career teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten at Hand-In-Hand Primary School before transitioning to Cross Creek, where she has taught for the past 11 years.

When Rice was surprised with the announcement, she was overwhelmed.

“Once it sank in, I felt incredibly privileged,” Rice said. “I teach with some of the very best teachers, and there’s no doubt that any one of them could have easily been named Cross Creek’s Teacher of the Year.”

Her colleagues admire her dedication and innovative teaching strategies.

“Mandy has an incredible ability to connect with students and meet them where they are,” said a fellow teacher. “She creates a warm and supportive classroom where all children feel valued and encouraged to succeed.”

Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Columbus State University. She also has endorsements in ESOL and reading. Currently, she is pursuing a specialist degree in Elementary Education at Columbus State University, which she is set to complete in May.

Rice has dreamed of being a teacher for as long as she can remember.

“As a child, my sisters and I would play school all the time,” she recalled. “I had so many great teachers growing up that inspired me to pursue a career in education. I specifically remember my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Soto. She was wonderful and taught me to love school!”

Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

“I always want every student to feel safe, accepted, and loved in my classroom,” Rice explained. “I want my classroom to be an environment where all students are learning at their level and being taught in the way that works best for them. I strive to foster a love of learning and reading, and I want every child who enters my classroom to know they are important to me.”

Her dedication to student success has not gone unnoticed by her peers.

“She is not only an exceptional teacher but also a mentor to many of us,” shared another colleague. “Her ability to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of every student is truly inspiring.”

For Rice, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is seeing the progress her students make.

“It is so rewarding to notice the difference I’ve made in a child’s life,” she said. “I get so many third-grade students who are struggling readers. I love seeing the pride in their eyes when they meet reading goals they have set for themselves.”

To keep students engaged, Rice incorporates a variety of teaching strategies.

“We do a lot of partner and small-group activities, which they love!” she said. “I also try to make my classroom child-centered. When students feel like they are a part of the teaching and learning process, they are much more likely to stay engaged.”

One way she fosters engagement is through storytelling.

“My students love when I read stories out loud to them, both one-on-one and with the whole group,” Rice shared. “I choose different kinds of stories to match their different interests. I feel like this also builds a greater love for books and reading.”

Rice believes in meeting students where they are, whether they are struggling academically or personally.

“I believe every student learns in his or her own way,” she said. “My job is to understand where they are and teach them in a way that works best for them. When a student comes to me struggling, I want them to always know that no matter what, I am here to help.”

Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Rice has played a role in shaping curriculum development at Cross Creek. She serves on the third-grade English Language Arts curriculum team as an active member of the school’s Leadership Team. Her passion for fostering literacy development drives her to create inclusive learning environments that promote critical thinking and independence.

Looking to the future, Rice remains dedicated to her role in the classroom.

“My goal is to continue being the best teacher I can be,” she said. “I love being in the classroom and teaching children. I really could not imagine doing anything else!”