Skip To Main Content

HCS Teaching and Learning Director Named GLISI 2024 Hidden Hero

HCS Teaching and Learning Director Named GLISI 2024 Hidden Hero

 

​    ​HCS & GLISI representatives with Muhammad-Garrett who is holding a large $500 check.

 

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools’ Teaching and Learning Director Norkesha Muhammad-Garrett was recently named a 2024 Hidden Hero by the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement.

In October 2020, GLISI launched its annual Hidden Heroes campaign to promote and celebrate the work of public school professionals statewide. Nominations for 2024 opened on Oct. 1, with colleagues and communities naming their candidates to receive the award for “everyday acts of service, professional excellence, and deep care for students and education.”

A total of 130 nominees received almost 42,000 votes from Nov. 1-22, with GLISI announcing the top three vote-getters from each of the North, Metro, and South regions in December.

Muhammad-Garrett secured the most votes in the North Region, amassing a total of 2,556 votes. She also led in the number of votes received overall, outpacing the leading vote-getters in both the South and Metro regions.

“Being nominated for GLISI’s Hidden Hero recognition was a blessing,” Muhammad-Garrett said. “Learning that I received more than 2,500 votes and won among 100-plus educators across the state is difficult to put into words.”

Muhammad-Garrett was nominated for her dedication to student and teacher success and commitment to the district’s mission and vision. Her work has been instrumental to HCS’ efforts to establish highly effective teachers and classrooms districtwide.

Additionally, her support of colleagues and district leaders has helped to further a culture of continuous improvement through various professional learning opportunities. Muhammad-Garrett’s influence can be seen in several support structures, instructional planning, and high-impact strategies benefiting schools across HCS.

Over the past year, she has made significant strides in advancing the district’s literacy objectives and promoting the importance of developing strong reading and writing skills at all levels.

Realizing reading growth from grade to grade and ensuring every HCS student reads at or above grade level constitute a key Priority Student Outcome for the Board of Education.

Muhammad-Garrett’s love for literacy and genuine desire to see students succeed have fueled her enthusiastic support of the district’s literacy objectives, including its HenryReads campaign.

In furthering these initiatives and striving to cultivate students’ love for learning, Muhammad-Garrett implemented “Reading Mobs,” inspired by “flash mobs.” During Reading Mob sessions, district leaders make surprise visits to read to elementary, middle, and high schools across HCS. The innovative program has been well-received by students, teachers, and school and district leaders.

“A sign in my office reads, ‘What if you worked every day for the children of HCS as you expect others to work for your children,’ and that’s how I approach my role – knowing my work impacts students and those who support them,” Muhammad-Garrett said. “This award reflects that many people recognize my unwavering dedication to the children I serve above all else.”

GLISI presented Muhammad-Garrett with a cash prize during a special ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center in December.

Each Hidden Hero was also recognized at the annual Georgia Chamber Eggs and Issues breakfast in January. The event, which marks the start of the state’s legislative session, welcomed over 2,500 Georgians, including top elected officials and business leaders.

“Congratulations to Mrs. Muhammad-Garrett on this outstanding achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Her passion for enhancing teaching and learning is exemplary, inspiring her colleagues and students to strive for excellence. She embodies a dedication to empowering our students and teachers and has made a remarkable impact across Henry County Schools.”

GLISI is a statewide education leadership nonprofit that seeks to uplift school leaders, transform mindsets and actions, create vibrant cultures of innovation, and build excellent and equitable schools.

About Henry County Schools

Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 53 schools and located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past two decades, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.


HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.


###

  • All Schools
  • Employee Recognition

Image

familywellnessnight.png