Valdosta, GA — Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clements announced Sandra Scurry, Adult Education Instructor, as the 2026 Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year award winner. The Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia.
The Teacher of the Year Award program, now in its fifth year, recognizes and honors instructors who make significant contributions to adult learners working to complete their high school equivalency credentials. Adult Education instructors are nominated for the award by their peers throughout the college. College finalists then participate in a selection process and interview with a panel of their peers. This year’s finalists were Toni Lewis, Adult Education Services Instructor – Brooks County; Joan Duffie, Adult Education Services Instructor – Ben Hill County; Renee Elliott, Adult Education Services Instructor – Coffee County; Krista Spires, Adult Education Services Instructor – Coffee County; and Sandra Scurry, Adult Education Services Instructor – Coffee County.
Scurry has been teaching in education for sixteen years, five of which have been with Wiregrass’s Adult Education program. She shared, “My teaching philosophy centers on treating adult learners as capable individuals who bring valuable life experience to the classroom. I create collaborative learning environments that prioritize relevance, respect, and flexibility, recognizing that adults balance education with careers and family responsibilities. Rather than simply delivering content, I facilitate critical thinking and self-directed learning, helping students connect new knowledge to their goals and develop skills for lifelong learning.
My motivation for teaching adults comes from witnessing transformation—seeing students overcome self-doubt, discover new capabilities, and redirect their lives through education. Being part of students' journeys toward greater opportunity gives my work sincere meaning, and I remain committed to continuous growth because the adults I teach deserve an instructor whose dedication matches their own.”
Scurry holds a Master’s in Art Education and shared this about the honor: “I am deeply honored to serve as a representative of this college, whose commitment to student success and community impact reflects the transformative power of education. It is a privilege to contribute to an institution that believes in the potential of every learner and works tirelessly to turn that potential into reality.”
Scurry will represent Wiregrass at the state interview competition in March 2026 in Atlanta. For more information about free adult education classes offered at Wiregrass Tech, visit Wiregrass.edu.
