Rachel Kinsaul, an agricultural science teacher at Morgan County High School, is the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods made the announcement at a banquet held May 30 at Lanier Islands to celebrate all District Teachers of the Year.
“Rachel Kinsaul opens up possibilities for her students every day — in agriculture and beyond,” Woods said. “She is a standout example of the hands-on learning opportunities that Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education opens up and the life-changing power of an excellent teacher in the classroom. I know she will be an incredible advocate for public education in the state of Georgia and will shine a light on the rich opportunities our K-12 schools provide.”
Being named Georgia Teacher of the Year is the highest recognition the state bestows upon a teacher in the classroom.
Each year, one outstanding educator is selected to serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession, sharing their expertise and passion with educators, policymakers, and communities across the state and nation. As the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Kinsaul will take a one-year leave from the classroom to fulfill her duties.
Kinsaul will be a powerful voice for CTAE programs, advocating for the life-changing impact of hands-on learning and workforce development in K-12 education. As she travels across Georgia and beyond, she will proudly represent Morgan County Charter Schools (MCCS), highlighting the innovative work happening in classrooms every day.
“Rachel represents the best of what public education can be,” MCCS Superintendent Dr. Susan Stancil said. “Her passion, innovation, and commitment to student growth exemplify the values of our district. We are incredibly proud to have her represent Morgan County and the entire state of Georgia as the 2026 Teacher of the Year.”
As an agricultural educator, Kinsaul believes that preparing her students to be productive community members is her most important job. She focuses her efforts on pushing students to find the best versions of themselves by becoming community leaders through agricultural education.
“I am very excited to get to represent all educators, but especially Career Technical and Agricultural Educators across the state,” Kinsaul said about the Georgia TOTY recognition. “We all have a common goal — we want to make students productive members of their communities. I truly believe that the public school system is doing a better job than ever of preparing students to enter the workforce. Georgia is the No. 1 state to do business, and now, the focus is on becoming the ‘top state for talent.’ Teachers across the state are working hard to help make that happen.
“I look forward to sharing with the rest of the state the incredible things happening in our classrooms and within our community,” Kinsaul continued. “Our small school may be tucked away in rural Georgia, but what we do there is mighty and meaningful. The Morgan County School System is a great place for students and teachers — a place where students can explore a multitude of opportunities that fit their needs and earn a personalized education. A culture of creativity helps teachers really think out of the box and create unique experiences.”
Kinsaul is committed to providing project-based learning opportunities for her students. She created a floral design class, through which her students have gained real-world experience by managing a monthly floral arrangement subscription program and providing arrangements for real weddings in the local community.
She also serves as the Morgan County High School FFA chapter advisor, guiding students in leadership development and competitive agricultural projects.
Her impact extends beyond the classroom. Rachel and her husband, Jason, were named the 2019 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Winners for Excellence in Agriculture and placed in the top 10 nationally. Rachel serves as the president of the Morgan County Farm Bureau and is a member of the Madison-Morgan Conservancy Board of Directors.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a master of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia and was recently named in the 2025 College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Alumni. Kinsaul is also a 2025 recipient of the Milken Educator Award, often referred to as the Oscars of Education.
As the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Kinsaul will serve as an ambassador for public education across the state, share insights into the teaching profession, and serve as an ex-officio member of the State Board of Education. She will also represent Georgia in the selection process for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.