LaQuandra Staley is the Richmond County 2025 Teacher of the Year

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Richmond County School System honored all of the Teachers of the Year across the district Thursday night with a banquet and ceremony at the Augusta Marriott Downtown.

Mrs. LaQuandra Staley, a 2nd Grade teacher at C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School, was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Staley has worked for RCSS for 12 years, serves on the instructional leadership team at C.T. Walker, and is the cheerleading coach.

Upon receiving her honor, Mrs. Staley passionately sung 'To God Be The Glory, for all that he has done', and gave a heartfelt speech to accept her new title. Staley told WJBF, "It feels amazing to be chosen out of so many amazing educators. So, I'm excited."

When asked how her students would react, she said, "my students are going to be excited, not just the students that are currently in my classroom but the ones who I have taught who are still at the school. They're going to be excited. Everyday they see me they're saying 'Congratulations Ms. Staley, I'm praying for you, I'm rooting for you.' And so to be able to let them know that, hey it came true, what you wanted, what I have desired, it came true, and I think they're going to be excited."

Along with her title, Mrs. Staley also received a check for $5000, and a year-lease on a Nissan Murano, courtesy of Murphy Auto Group. Congratulations Mrs. Staley!

Photojournalist: Rickey Jones