The Putnam County Charter School System recently named its Teachers of the Year for 2025-26.
PCHS Teacher of the Year and 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year, Sharon Creek
Sharon Creek is a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching and serving students is rooted in a lifelong journey of personal and professional discovery. She began her career in 2002 as a middle school social studies teacher and initially felt fulfilled by the knowledge students gained under her guidance.
However, she soon realized that the true purpose of teaching went beyond the content itself; it was about the deep, transformative connections forged with students. With a love for world cultures and a background in travel, Creek has thrived in building meaningful relationships with ESOL students and their families. Recognizing a need in the community, she completed her ESOL certification to serve these students better.
She believes that human connection is as vital as content knowledge in the educational process. Creek played a pivotal role in establishing the ESOL program at Putnam County High School and Putnam County Middle School.
She considers it her calling to support ESOL students, their families, and their teachers. She often reflects on how her life's experiences — travel, cultural exchange, and teaching — have all led to this God-given purpose. Today, Creek remains inspired by her students' resilience and determination, which fuel her commitment to education.
For Creek, teaching is more than just a profession; it’s a purpose that brings joy, meaning, and a sense of fulfillment. Her students are not just learners; they are the heartbeat of her work, driving her to be a leader among her peers, a guide to her students, and a lifeline to their families in and out of the classroom.
PCMS Teacher of the Year Sha'Kedra Ellison
Sha'Kedra Ellison is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator at Putnam County Middle School, where she inspires young minds through mathematics. A native of Putnam County, Ellison has deep roots in her community, having graduated from Putnam County High School in 2014.
Her commitment to education is reflected in her academic achievements; she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Columbus State University in 2019 and is currently poised to complete her Master of Education Degree in Middle Grades Mathematics from Western Governors University.
Ellison is not only a passionate teacher but also an accomplished coach. As the head coach of the PCMS girls’ basketball team, she has led those players to victory, securing three conference championships during her coaching tenure.
Her dedication extends to athletics, where she serves as the head girls' track and field coach at PCMS, continuing to motivate and develop her student-athletes.
Outside of her professional commitments, Ellison is a proud mother to her seven-year-old daughter, Maddelyn. She values her family immensely and enjoys spending quality time with them. In her free time, Ellison loves to travel and explore new places, enriching her life with diverse experiences. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her students and community make her a cherished member of the Putnam County School System.
PCES Teacher of the Year Melissa Burke
Melissa Burke has dedicated her life to education, spending an impressive 31 years as an educator in Putnam County.
Her journey began as a graduate of Putnam County High School, and she chose to return to her alma mater to give back to the community that profoundly influenced her life. Burke’s academic background is both diverse and impressive; she holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, a master's degree in Interrelated Education, and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
These qualifications have equipped her with the expertise to address her students' diverse learning needs, ensuring that each student receives the support and encouragement needed to succeed.
Throughout her career, Burke has been an advocate for inclusive learning environments, believing that every student, regardless of their abilities or background, deserves the opportunity to succeed. Her approach has always been student-centered, focusing on building a supportive and inclusive classroom where all students can thrive. Burke’s dedication extends beyond the classroom as well.
For 15 years, she served as the basketball cheerleading coach at Putnam County High School. In this role, she mentored young athletes, instilling in them values of teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Her leadership on the sidelines was as impactful as her teaching in the classroom, fostering a sense of pride and unity among students.
Burke’s lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and community service makes her a shining example of excellence in teaching. Her legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of her students and the broader Putnam County community.
PCPS Teacher of the Year Dr. Sarah Higgins
Dr. Sarah Higgins is the dedicated music specialist at Putnam County Primary School. She passionately teaches music to kindergarten, first, and second graders, ensuring that her young learners develop a love of music through engaging, playful learning experiences. Currently in her 16th year of teaching, Higgins has spent 15 of those years at the primary level, cultivating an inclusive environment where every student feels music is for them.
In addition to her role at the primary school, Higgins extends her expertise into higher education by teaching online music appreciation courses through Central Georgia Technical College. Her commitment to music education highlights her belief in its importance across all age groups and learning stages.
Outside of her professional life, Higgins enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband, Luis, and their daughter, Sophia. Whether she is reading, going for walks, or spending quality time with her family, Higgins cherishes her free time and the joy it brings.