Heather Cottingham from Grovetown Elementary School has been named the 2027 Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year at an Oct. 1 banquet.
Ms. Cottingham is an ESOL and Early Intervention Program (EIP) teacher at Grovetown Elementary School, where she has served since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Augusta State University and has earned endorsements in Dyslexia and ESOL through Columbia County, according to the Columbia County School District website.
Cottingham provides reading intervention and language support to students in grades 2–5, helping learners achieve meaningful academic growth. She is passionate about closing achievement gaps through purposeful instruction, strong relationships, and high expectations. Known for creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment, Cottingham empowers students to take ownership of their learning while fostering confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
Cottingham received a free one-year lease of a BMW 228 Coupe Sedan, courtesy of Taylor BMW. The car also comes with complimentary insurance on behalf of Acrisure Insurance, and a $1,000 gas gift card, compliments of Affordable Auto
Insurance.
She will now represent all the Columbia County School District educators at the state competition for Georgia Teacher of the Year.
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