By Amanda Respess and Margaret Schell 

C harm Mapp (’03, ’06, ’10), an eighth-grade math teacher at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County, is the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year. State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the selection at a banquet Friday, May 29. Mapp was the Jones County 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. 

“Charm Mapp makes mathematics come alive for her students through her classroom number talks and hands-on instruction,” Woods said. “I can’t wait to see how she advocates for students, teachers and schools throughout her time as Georgia Teacher of the Year.” 

Mapp earned her bachelor's, master's and education specialist degrees from Georgia College & State University. She is slated to earn her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction this December, making her a ‘Quad Cat’ – a four-time alumna of Georgia College. 

Now in her 23rd year at Clifton Ridge Middle School, she is the lead gifted teacher and supports the Jones County Virtual Academy. She is passionate about challenging students to embrace curiosity, confidence and a love for learning through authentic mathematical thinking. 

“I try to get students out of the mindset of focusing on the right numerical answer,” Mapp said. “I encourage them to bring their real-life experiences into the classroom.” 

From there, they discuss how math is involved. 

“I don’t ask questions that have a right, wrong or numerical answer,” Mapp said. “Instead, we have a conversation to facilitate learning.” 

Each year she takes her students on a field trip to the high school so they can see the career pathways available to them. 

“We have thought-provoking conversations about what each student’s life looks like beyond school,” Mapp said. “This is a very real concept because when they register for high school, they’re registering for a pathway and are faced with thinking about what they want to do in life.’” 

Mapp also teaches her fellow teachers. Throughout her career at Clifton Ridge Middle School, Mapp has mentored 19 student teachers. She also partners with fellow gifted teachers to hold monthly professional learning sessions to talk about strategies. 

“While it's important to challenge my students, I also want to make sure they're supported,” Mapp said. 

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, according to the Georgia Department of Education, Mapp will serve as an advocate for public education in Georgia, speaking to the public about the teaching profession and serving as an ex-officio member of the State Board of Education. She will also participate in the competitive selection process for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year. 

Georgia Teacher of the Year operates one year ahead to align with the national program; the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year will serve from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Header Images: Charm Mapp was named Georgia's 2027 Teacher of the Year on Friday, May 29, during an event at the Georgia Aquarium. Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods presented Mapp with a certificate as a Top 10 finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. (Photos: Georgia Department of Education) Mapp with her family when she was named Jones County Teacher of the Year: son Daniel, daughter Trinity, Mapp and husband James. (Photo: Charm Mapp)