Congratulations to Our Outstanding ESOL Teacher, Student of the Year!

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its Exemplary English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher of the Year and Exemplary English Learner Student of the Year!

Congratulations to 2026 honorees: teacher Danielle Townsend of Johnston Elementary School and River Ridge High School senior Fernando Gonzalez Martinez!  The Georgia Department of Education annually recognizes one outstanding ESOL teacher and English Learner student from each school district who meet high standards for teaching and learning.  Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

Fernando, who plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering, is a member of River Ridge’s soccer and cross-country teams and Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) program.  He volunteers as a mentor for English Learner students.

A six-year ESOL teacher, Ms. Townsend additionally brings to her role experience teaching grades 3 to 5 as well as Early Intervention Program students.  She is known not only for her exceptional classroom instruction, but also for her commitment to supporting colleagues by sharing best instructional practices to improve the school overall.

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