Savannah‑Chatham County band director reflects on year as 2025 District Teacher of the Year

Emily Spradley Graham, band director at Islands High School and the 2025 Savannah‑Chatham County District Teacher of the Year, told the Savannah‑Chatham County School District board that serving in the role had been “my honor and privilege.”

Graham said the year gave her a platform to work closely with colleagues and district leaders. “Over the course of this year, I've met so many impactful educators and committed staff who give their best self day in and day out,” she said, adding that she worked with the District Instructional Support Person of the Year, Nurse Dee Wharton, and praised district senate members and administrators.

The teacher highlighted the professional senate’s work this year, saying members met outside of work hours to address topics including lesson planning times, HVAC systems and the district calendar. She said Superintendent Dr. Watts and cabinet members regularly attend senate meetings, which she described as “informative and reassuring.”

Graham said she has appreciated opportunities to speak for teachers at board meetings and to mentor new educators. “I have enjoyed sitting at the horseshoe alongside our elected officials and having a platform to speak on behalf of teachers,” she said, and thanked district sponsors and community partners for their support.

She also acknowledged the 2024 district teacher of the year, Reagan Dillon, for welcoming and guiding her, and congratulated the 2026 teacher of the year candidates. Graham closed by introducing the district’s next teacher of the year, saying, “Now, let's meet our new District Teacher of the Year.”

The remarks were delivered as part of a district meeting; no formal board action or votes related to the remarks were recorded in the transcript.