Celebrating dedication and passion, Crisp County Primary School named Lindsey Willis their Teacher of the Year. This recognition comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed the dedication, commitment, and passion she brings into her classroom.
Born and raised in Georgia, Willis has always been part of the Crisp County community. She is the daughter of Donna and Mark Ring of Cordele and Darryl and Pam Smith of Fort Valley Georgia. Willis earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and Specialist degrees in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern University. She has served in Crisp County for 13 years.
Balancing her work and personal life with grace, she is the wife of Joseph Willis and a proud mother of a delightful three-year-old daughter. Family is at the heart of her life, with her vibrant daughter and a dog named Olive bringing joy to her every day. Willis also shares a unique bond with her aunt, Amy Rigdon, the previous Teacher of the Year at Crisp County Elementary School.
When not shaping young minds, Willis enjoys spending time with family, arranging flowers, planning house projects, and gardening. An avid reader, she appreciates diving into a good book or listening to audiobooks in her free time.
Teaching in Crisp County has provided Willis with the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her. A Crisp County High School graduate, Willis fondly remembers the educators who pushed her to be the best version of herself.
"I am a lifelong learner," Willis asserts, describing her innovative approach to teaching kindergarten. She credits her growth and learning to collaboration with her students, their families, and colleagues.
As a kindergarten teacher, Willis takes immense joy in setting a solid educational foundation for her students. "There is no better feeling than when students begin to realize they can do hard things," she says, reflecting on the impact she hopes to make that goes far beyond her classroom.
In a community filled with appreciation for her work, Lindsey Willis's influence indeed reaches far beyond the school grounds. Join us in congratulating this exemplary educator for her remarkable contributions to Crisp County Primary School and the wider community.