The Hall County School District congratulates chorus teacher Emily Allison of Cherokee Bluff Middle School! Ms. Allison is the 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year.

“Emily Allison exemplifies everything we hope for in an educator,” said Kevin Bales, Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “At Cherokee Bluff Middle School, she is known for her hard work, unwavering dedication, and powerful advocacy for her students. Her commitment to maintaining high expectations—both for herself and for those she teaches—has made a lasting impact on her school and our entire district.”

Bales and Superintendent Will Schofield surprised Allison yesterday afternoon with the exciting news. They were joined by leadership from Cherokee Bluff Middle School.

“Emily does a fantastic job with our chorus program at Cherokee Bluff Middle School,” said Principal Robert Wilson. “She builds the confidence of her students while holding them to a high standard. She is the ultimate team player with her colleagues and isn’t afraid to hold them accountable as well. She plays a vital role in the development of the culture here at Cherokee Bluff Middle School.”

While reflecting on her recognition, Allison gave credit to her students and her colleagues. “Being named the Hall County School District Teacher of the Year is incredibly humbling,“ she said. “I love the Hall County School District and the values we try to live out each school year. Getting to spend my days investing in fine arts and helping grow the chorus program in the Cherokee Bluff community has been a challenge that has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. It is a gift I try to remember every day in my classroom. I appreciate the recognition, but I also want to share this win with the students and my fine arts team members who push me to be the best version of myself because they deserve nothing less than my best.”

Earlier this year, Allison, who also serves on Cherokee Bluff Middle’s leadership team, was named Music Educator of the Year by The Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA).

Allison will now move on to compete for the honor of the 2027 Teacher of the Year for the state of Georgia. She will also receive a check for 10,000 dollars from the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation. The foundation has provided the check to every HCSD Teacher of the Year since 2019.