The Baldwin County School District celebrated its 2025 “Teach in the Peach” cohort in which five Baldwin High School students committed to pursuing careers in education after graduation.
Students were honored last week in a special recognition ceremony. This is the largest group yet to complete the program since its inception, and it reflects a growing commitment from students to serve their community through education.
“This is the first full cohort of this many students wanting to enter teaching as a profession,” said Baldwin High School Principal Markeeta Clayton. “We began this pathway last year to generate a pipeline of future teachers, especially right here in Baldwin County.”
Superintendent Dr. Noris Price of the Baldwin County School District established Memorandums of Understanding with Fort Valley State University, Middle Georgia State University, and Central Georgia Technical College. These agreements guarantee that graduates of the program will be offered interviews with the Baldwin County School District upon earning their degrees.
“These students know what they want,” said Teaching Pathway instructor TaQuila Thomas. “They see their futures clearly and are willing to work hard to get there. They’ve already passed key certification benchmarks, including the GACE Paraprofessional exam, and they are deeply motivated to make a difference.”
One student, Tameriana Rice, expressed particular excitement about returning to Baldwin County to teach after college.
“She’s already looking forward to that promised interview,” Thomas said.
The “Teach in the Peach” celebration also served as a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Noris Price, who played a key role in launching the program and establishing its college partnerships.
“We wanted to give Dr. Price her flowers — literally and figuratively,” said Thomas. “She fought for this program, and we’re so thankful for everything she did to support our students and our future.”
As these five students prepare to graduate and take their next steps toward college and careers in education, Baldwin County School District officials beam with pride and look forward to the day they return to teach in the same halls that shaped them.
— Contributed