January 27, 2026
Morgan County Charter Schools Celebrates Rachel Kinsaul as Finalist for 2026 National Teacher of the Year
Morgan County, GA — Morgan County Charter Schools is thrilled to announce that Rachel Kinsaul, our 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year, has been named a Finalist for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Rachel is one of only five educators nationwide selected from a cohort of 56 State Teachers of the Year, recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact in the classroom.
Kinsaul, an agricultural science teacher at Morgan County High School, has spent years inspiring students through innovative service-learning programs and by connecting classroom instruction to real-world impact. Living by the motto “getting outside your fencerows,” she encourages students to think beyond the classroom and become purpose-driven leaders.
“This is an incredible honor, not just for Rachel, but for Morgan County and for the state of Georgia as a whole,” said Superintendent Dr. Stancil. “Rachel’s passion for her students, her innovative leadership, and her dedication to connecting learning with community service inspire everyone she meets, educators, students, and families alike. She represents the very best of Morgan County and Georgia, showing what’s possible when heart, vision, and commitment come together. We are beyond proud of Rachel and the example she sets for all of us. Today, and every day, it’s a great day to be a Morgan County Bulldog!”
Over the past year, Kinsaul has served as a statewide advocate for public education as the Georgia Teacher of the Year, highlighting the impact of hands-on, career-connected learning and elevating the voices of students and educators across Georgia.
“Rachel Kinsaul exemplifies the power of teaching that connects learning to real life,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. "Through agricultural education, she helps students build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the classroom. Rachel's commitment to her students, her community, and the teaching profession makes her an outstanding representative for Georgia, and I am proud to see her recognized on the national stage.”
As a National Teacher of the Year Finalist, Kinsaul will travel to Washington, D.C., to interview with the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. The 2026 National Teacher of the Year will be announced later this spring and will serve a yearlong role as a national ambassador, promoting best practices and highlighting the critical impact of teachers across the country.
“I am honored and humbled to represent Georgia as a National Teacher of the Year finalist,” Kinsaul said. “This recognition reflects the students, colleagues, mentors, families, and communities who make this work so meaningful. Agricultural education teaches students how to collaborate, lead, and serve their communities, and I am proud to share the incredible work happening in Georgia classrooms with a national audience.”
Rachel Kinsaul’s recognition brings pride not only to Morgan County Charter Schools but also to the entire state of Georgia. Her dedication exemplifies the power of passionate educators to inspire students, strengthen communities, and lead with purpose.