District Teacher of the Year
ELIZABETH TREAT
2026-2027 Thomas County Schools Teacher of the Year
Thomas County Schools proudly recognizes Elizabeth Treat, a third-grade English Language Arts teacher at Cross Creek Elementary School, as the 2026–2027 District Teacher of the Year.
For Treat, the honor is both meaningful and humbling. She views the recognition as a reflection not only of her own work, but also of the support, encouragement, and collaboration she has experienced throughout her career in Thomas County Schools.
Having begun her teaching career in the district, Treat credits Thomas County Schools with shaping her into the educator she is today. She values the opportunities for professional growth and says she cannot imagine teaching anywhere else.
In the classroom, Treat is committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and capable of success. She believes strong student-teacher relationships are the foundation for learning and works to ensure students know she is invested in their academic, social, and emotional growth. By encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, she helps build confidence, perseverance, and a lifelong love of learning.
Treat also credits the supportive culture at Cross Creek Elementary for helping her grow as both an educator and a person. She describes the school as more than a workplace, emphasizing the strong relationships among faculty and staff and the collaborative environment that encourages everyone to succeed.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams said Treat exemplifies the excellence found throughout Thomas County Schools.
"Mrs. Treat sets the standard for what teaching and learning should look like across our system. In a district filled with strong educators, she distinguishes herself through the consistency of her impact and the way she develops both the academic skills and confidence of her students. Her work reflects the culture we are committed to building, where every student is known, challenged, and supported to succeed. We are proud of her and confident she will represent Thomas County Schools well at the state level."
For Treat, the greatest reward of teaching is the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students. She believes that when students feel supported and cared for, they are more willing to take risks, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
Her passion for education began during her own school years, when a middle school teacher helped her overcome difficulties in math while building her confidence. That experience inspired her to become the kind of teacher who could positively influence the lives of others.
As District Teacher of the Year, Treat remains committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and making a meaningful impact on every student she serves. She sees the recognition as motivation to continue inspiring students while representing the district with pride.
Treat holds a bachelor's, master's, and specialist degree in elementary education and has earned endorsements in Reading, Gifted Education, and ESOL.
As she looks to the future, Treat remains dedicated to growing as an educator while helping shape the next generation of learners through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and a passion for teaching.