Amanda Dillard, a special education teacher at Pope High School, was honored as Cobb County’s 2025 District Level Teacher of the Year with a handprint ceremony on Marietta Square. The event was attended by her family, colleagues, and district leaders, marking her contributions to students and the broader Cobb community.
Reflecting on the ceremony, Dillard said, “It was actually surreal. It’s my hands, and they’re actually here. It’s something I’ll come back to years to come and show my kids and their kids.”
Board Chair David Chastain commented on the significance of the recognition: “Walking the Marietta Square and seeing Amanda’s handprints made me think of all the generations of Cobb students shaped by teachers like her. It’s a legacy cemented in the hearts of our students and our community.”
Dillard has worked in education for 18 years, focusing on special education across all grade levels. At Pope High School, she teaches Interrelated Special Education with an emphasis on math and leads the school’s esports program.
She shared that teaching was not her original career plan but found her purpose after seeing her impact on students’ lives. “Special education or not, once you’re working with kids, you find out if it’s truly your calling,” she said. “When the spark goes off, when they get it, then you’re hooked forever.”
Dillard explained that her motivation comes from supporting students: “The reason that I stay is really, truly, for my students. They inspire me. To help them discover their drive and passion and to support them in their futures, that’s what really inspires me—any little success along the way.”
She works closely with students throughout their four years at Pope High School, helping them build confidence and prepare for life beyond graduation. “To watch them come in sometimes with low confidence and watch that grow and see them graduate and go on to be successful adults, that’s probably the most rewarding part of my career,” Dillard said.
Her support extends beyond academics; she maintains mentorship relationships with about 20 students during their high school years. “I go into math classrooms and work with them there, and I follow students throughout their four years,” she explained. “So, I get to kind of follow them around, see their growth.”
Pope High School Principal Matthew Bradford described Dillard as a central figure at the school: “Every day she shows up with a smile on her face, ready to go. She’s always has the students’ best interest at heart. She goes above and beyond in whatever she can to support them, not only them, but also the teachers on staff.” He added that Dillard’s influence reaches outside academics: “It’s what she does for the kids outside of the classroom. She wants to make sure her kids are successful when they leave high school. Amanda’s a testament to all that and our successes inside the building and beyond.”
Dillard noted that being part of Cobb County School District feels supportive despite its size: “Even though it’s a large area, it really feels small town,” she said. “The community comes alongside us. We’re really supported, and that’s what I love about working for Cobb.”
Before unveiling her handprints, a ceremony at Earl and Smith Strand Theatre featured a performance by Pope Chorus before Superintendent Chris Ragsdale introduced Dillard as Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026.
During her speech at the event, Dillard included a popular TikTok reference at her sons’ urging: “If the answer is 67 in class, we just pause,” she laughed. “Because there’s a chorus of ‘six seven’ out there.”
Principal Bradford concluded his remarks by saying: “I’m so proud of you. You represent us very well. Thank you for all you do for our students and our staff at the high school.”
