John Floresta Chief Strategy & Accountability Officer | Cobb County School District
John Floresta Chief Strategy & Accountability Officer | Cobb County School District
Nestled along Sandy Plains Road, Sprayberry High School in Cobb County has become a hub for innovative education under the guidance of Dr. Hannah Oldham. Known for her work with students experimenting on growing plants in Martian soil, Dr. Oldham has led her students to win international awards twice through the Plant Mars Challenge.
Dr. Oldham, who teaches mathematics and AP Capstone courses while leading Sprayberry’s STEM Academy, was recently honored as the STEM Teacher of the Year by both the East Georgia Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Chapter and the State of Georgia. The AFA praised educators like Dr. Oldham for "introducing students to exciting new concepts" and preparing them "to explore new frontiers of technology."
"It's very humbling, and it's very exciting [to receive the STEM award] and be able to share it with my students because they’re the reason I show up every day," said Dr. Oldham.
The Cobb Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale congratulated Dr. Oldham on her achievement, which coincided with Sprayberry earning Cobb STEM Certification.
“I absolutely love Stem here in Cobb, and I feel so supported about what we can do here,” added Dr. Oldham.
Dr. Oldham's teaching career spans 17 years in Cobb County, though she initially aspired to teach music or history before finding her path in mathematics—a subject she once struggled with herself.
“It has made me a really good math teacher because I've always had to just figure it out," she explained.
Her approach emphasizes that failure is part of learning—a lesson she shares openly with her students: “I can be like, ‘yeah, I didn't understand it either,’” said Dr. Oldham.
Sprayberry senior Anya credits Dr. Oldham as a mentor who inspired her own academic ambitions: “I want to have my own thesis...like she did.”
Fellow student Nate described how Dr. Oldham's charisma enhances classroom learning: “The energy that she really exhibits...helps you learn like no other classroom.”
Both Anya and Nate highlight how their teacher’s mentorship drives them toward their goals—whether starting a math club or pursuing advanced studies.
“It’s not just about the facts or numbers...it's that they have the confidence and experience to want to explore new things,” concluded Dr. Oldham.
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