Catoosa County Public Schools announces the 2025 Teacher of the Year, West Side Elementary Dr. Rebekah List

Catoosa County Public Schools proudly celebrates Dr. Rebekah List as the 2025 County Teacher of the Year. According to West Side Elementary Principal Anita Gains, “Dr. List’s impact extends far beyond her classroom. She is a cornerstone of the school community, building meaningful connections that empower students and strengthen family engagement.”

Dr. List leads Hispanic Community Nights twice a year, ensuring families feel welcomed and supported. She personally interprets vital information, facilitates open communication with administrators and teachers, and equips parents with the tools to connect with school staff. Her leadership ensures every family feels included in their child’s educational journey.

Her innovative spirit also led her to establish a book club for her students designed to empower parents with strategies to support reading and language development at home. This initiative has transformed how families engage with their child’s learning and has fostered stronger home-to-school partnerships.

For her colleagues, Dr. List is both a mentor and a source of inspiration. She has championed support for English language learners by modeling effective classroom practices and guiding teachers on strategies to meet diverse student needs.

This year, she played a pivotal role in the district’s writing initiative, helping design individualized student writing folders filled with visuals and graphic organizers. These tools have become essential in improving both oral language and writing skills across the student body.

Beyond daily teaching, Dr. List dedicates her summers and school year to collaborative planning sessions, analyzing data, shaping schedules, and guiding instructional decisions. Her tireless behind-the-scenes efforts ensure every choice is student-centered.

“Dr. List embodies the very best of education in service to others, innovation in education, and compassion for students and colleagues,” said Superintendent Chance Nix. “Her unwavering commitment to students and families sets the standard for what it means to be an educator.”

Principal Gaines added, “Dr. List is not only a gifted teacher but also a true leader. She inspires her peers, uplifts her students, and ensures our families feel like vital partners in education. We are beyond proud to celebrate her as Teacher of the Year.”