And the winner of the Muscogee County Teacher of the Year award is . . .

Chris Grier, a physical education teacher at Clubview Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made Thursday night by the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) at a gala attended by over 1,100 people at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. Grier was selected from 53 nominees, whose names were revealed in January, after a rigorous process that included evaluations by a committee of Columbus business and education leaders. The selection committee, chaired by Gina Smith and including members like retired Maj. Gen. Dave Coburn and Sheryl Green (2015 Teacher of the Year), narrowed the field to 10 semifinalists in March, then three finalists in late March. Committee members observed each finalist teaching a lesson to determine the winner. Grier’s 11-year teaching career in Muscogee County, including time at Brewer Elementary School, contributed to his selection. MEEF highlighted Grier’s innovative approach to teaching, emphasizing that his gymnasium classroom fosters skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. Committee member Marquette McKnight noted that Grier partners with classroom teachers to reinforce academic goals, creating an environment where students learn confidence and collaboration. Gena Davis, a 2022 finalist, praised Grier’s ability to make every student feel included and encouraged. Grier expressed his teaching philosophy as centered on helping students discover their potential, particularly at the elementary level. He was born at Fort Benning and graduated from Columbus High School, earning degrees from Columbus State University, North Georgia, and Jacksonville State. His selection reflects the district’s recognition of educators who go beyond traditional teaching methods to inspire students holistically.