Hamilton Named ESS Teacher of the Year
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Treutlen County Schools recently celebrated a special education teacher who goes above and beyond her duty in the classroom, as Sonja Hamilton was named the 2027 Treutlen County Extra Support Services (ESS) Teacher of the Year.
Hamilton has been teaching at Treutlen Elementary School for four years, and is currently serving young students as a Preschool Intervention Program Teacher and Kindergarten Coteacher. She reacted to the honor, remarking, “I am incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as ESS Teacher of the Year. Supporting students and celebrating their progress is the most rewarding part of what I do, and I’m thankful to work alongside such dedicated families and colleagues.”
She emphasized her gratitude to school staff members and others who have supported her throughout her career. “Thank you to my students for inspiring me each day, their families for their trust and partnership, my colleagues and support staff for their encouragement and teamwork, my administrators for their leadership and support, and my family for their constant love and encouragement. I am grateful to be part of a community dedicated to helping students grow and succeed,” Hamilton added.
Treutlen County Schools Exceptional Student Services Director Brandi Hendrix also spoke on Hamilton’s recognition. “It was a pleasure to name Mrs. Sonja Hamilton as our 2027 ESS Teacher of the Year. She was nominated and voted on by her peers for this honor, and she is truly the epitome of a selfless educator,” Hendrix shared. “Working with our district's youngest learners, Mrs. Hamilton serves as our Preschool Intervention Program teacher, an initiative she was instrumental in establishing for the 2025-2026 school year. She consistently puts the needs of her students and coworkers above her own, her warm spirit makes everyone she encounters feel valued and supported. With Mrs. Hamilton, it does not matter if she is guiding a student through a new challenge or stepping up to help a fellow teacher, she is genuine in how she builds relationships and fosters a sense of community within our school.”
When asked what inspires her to continue working in special education, Hamilton remarked, “What inspires me to continue working in special education is seeing the growth and progress my students make, no matter how big or small. Watching students gain confidence, develop new skills, and reach goals they once struggled with is incredibly rewarding. I am also inspired by the opportunity to advocate for students, support families, and help create an environment where every child is valued and given the tools to succeed.”
She shared her excitement to continue working in the classroom, as she hopes to continue to help students learn skills and confidence to help them succeed in life.
