Oak Hill Middle School's Tiandra Canty Named Baldwin County School District Teacher of the Year

The applause was loud, the competition fierce, and in the end Oak Hill Middle School’s Instructional Coach Tiandra Canty took home the title of 2026 Baldwin County School District Teacher of the Year.

The Magnolia Ballroom at Georgia College was buzzing on October 1 as families, colleagues, and community partners gathered for the annual banquet. The atmosphere? Think Oscars, but with more lesson plans and fewer red carpets.

District Curriculum Director Erica Ingram, who emceed the night, summed it up with a grin:

“This was one of the fiercest Teacher of the Year competitions we’ve ever had! One thing that we look for is extracurriculars, and every one of our teachers of the year had those. We had the head of our Montessori program, an inclusion special needs teacher, teachers performing forensics in the classroom, teachers classroom history museums, and creating atoms. You name it!”

Translation: these teachers weren’t just bringing pencils and paper, they were bringing passion projects, classroom museums, and a level of creativity that would make even Pinterest jealous. "People who think anyone can just walk into a classroom in Georgia and be successful have another thing coming," Ingram said.

After student performances, sponsor presentations, and plenty of suspense, the envelope moment finally arrived. And when Tiandra Canty’s name was called, the room erupted. At Oak Hill Middle, she’s known as a coach who lifts everyone up students and teachers alike. Now she’s officially recognized for what her colleagues have long known: her leadership shines district-wide.

Mrs. Canty accepts the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, passed on from last year's Teacher of the Year, William Brunson

BCSD also celebrates all of our incredible Teacher of the Year finalists, who made this one of the toughest competitions yet:

• Megan Shuman – Lakeview Primary

• Brandi Lawrence – Midway Hills Primary

• Rhonda Crane – Lakeview Academy

• Jessica Moose – Midway Hills Academy

• Alicia Johnson – Baldwin High School

  
  

Every finalist brought something extraordinary. Together, they remind us why teaching is equal parts profession, calling, and (sometimes) high-wire act. Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks praised Canty’s impact, noting:

“Mrs. Canty represents the very best of Baldwin County Schools. She inspires not only her students but her colleagues, creating a culture of excellence and support. We are proud to have her as our Teacher of the Year and excited to see the continued impact she will make on our district.”

So here’s to Tiandra Canty, Oak Hill’s pride, the district’s Teacher of the Year, and proof that the future of Baldwin County students is in very good hands.