Atlanta Public Schools (APS) celebrated its outstanding teachers and leaders at the 2025 APyeS! Awards on Saturday, November 1, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
The L.E.A.D.S. Awards nominees, along with the 2025-2026 School-Level Teachers and Support Professionals of the Year, made their red-carpet entrance with magnificent style as they were cheered on by their colleagues, families, and friends.
This special occasion also featured student performances from the South Atlanta High School Jazz Band, Booker T. Washington High School’s Bad to the Bone Dance Ensemble, the North Atlanta High School Virtuosi, and was hosted by FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Aungelique Proctor.
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson was joined on stage by the members of the Atlanta Board of Education to present the awards to the evening’s honorees.
The highlight of the evening, the Teacher of the Year Award, was presented to Briana Wilson, a kindergarten teacher at Fickett Elementary School.
Wilson is recognized for contributing to the advancement of instructional practices beyond her classroom. She has served as a math ambassador and as a district math curriculum writer, developing resources and lesson plans to support teachers in implementing effective, data-informed instruction. She is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student thrives. She emphasizes intentional and consistent instructional practices, believing that purpose-driven teaching fosters curiosity, builds confidence, and cultivates a lifelong love of learning.
The 2025-2026 Principal of the Year was awarded to Yusuf A. Muhammad Jr. of Phoenix Academy. Muhammad is a dedicated and visionary educational leader with two decades of experience advancing equity and academic excellence. He is guided by the belief that every student can thrive when supported and empowered.
The 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year is Christopher Gomillion of Continental Colony Elementary School. Gomillion’s educational philosophy is centered on his “3Cs”: Connection, Community, and Capacity. He believes meaningful instruction begins with building strong relationships with students and creating an inclusive community that nurtures growth for both learners and educators.
Additional APyeS! Awards recipients include the following:
L.E.A.D.S. Awards
- Student First Award: Karen Jacqueline Giles, Exceptional Education, E. Rivers Elementary School
- Schools First Award: Dr. Warren Edwards, Pk-12 STEM/STEAM Coordinator
GO Teams Awards
- Outstanding GO Team Award: Morningside Elementary School
- Excellence in Leadership Award: Barbara Shea, Hollis Innovation Academy
Special Awards
- District Partner of the Year: Achieve Atlanta
- Excellence in Family Engagement Parent Liaison: Gladys Rodriguez, Bilingual Communicator Liaison, M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
- Excellence in Family Engagement School-Based: M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
Cluster Partner Awards
- Carver Cluster
- Loved Beyond Walls
- Douglass Cluster
- Turner Foundation for Community Advocacy
- Jackson Cluster
- Afterschool All-Stars
- Mays Cluster
- Southwest High School Alumni Association
- Midtown Cluster
- Whiskey Bird Restaurant
- North Atlanta Cluster
- Northside Methodist Church
- South Atlanta Cluster
- Chick-fil-A
- Therrell Cluster
- Bearings Mike Works
- Washington Cluster
- Westside Future Fund
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