For [ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ](http://www.cau.edu) (ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ) alumna Briana Wilson, teaching is about more than introducing students to foundational academic skills. It is about cultivating curiosity, building confidence, and helping young learners recognize their potential. A 2021 graduate of [ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ's Elementary Education program](/academics/undergraduate-programs/elementary-education), Wilson brings this philosophy into her kindergarten classroom at Fickett Elementary School, where she creates engaging learning experiences that encourage students to take pride in their accomplishments. Her commitment to student development earned her recognition as the 2025–2026 [Atlanta Public Schools (APS) District Teacher of the Year](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsxvgE1d07c&t=1s), one of the district's highest honors. For Wilson, the recognition reflects the dedication of educators who make a difference in students' lives every day. **Creating a Classroom Where Learning Is a Joy** Wilson's teaching philosophy centers on making learning enjoyable, meaningful, and relevant to her students' experiences. "My approach to teaching continues to evolve daily, but my passion and joy for inspiring young students remain the same," Wilson said. "Some of the most rewarding moments in my teaching journey come from witnessing the smiles, excitement, and genuine joy my scholars experience when learning something new." To encourage that enthusiasm, Wilson incorporates familiar experiences into her lessons, drawing connections to students' neighborhoods, favorite activities, and everyday interactions. She believes these connections help students see the relevance of what they are learning to the world beyond the classroom. "When students can see themselves and their experiences reflected in a lesson, learning becomes more meaningful and engaging," she said. Her approach also emphasizes celebrating progress. Whether students are learning letter sounds, building words, or developing early reading skills, Wilson creates opportunities for them to recognize their accomplishments. "I believe it is my responsibility to create that excitement for learning and instill a 'what's next?' mentality in my students," she said. "I want them to leave each learning experience feeling proud of what they have accomplished and eager to discover what else they are capable of achieving." **Inspired by a Family Legacy of Educators** Wilson's passion for teaching is also connected to her grandmother, who was an educator with Chicago Public Schools. Some of her fondest memories involve watching former students approach her grandmother years after leaving her classroom, excited to reconnect and share how she had influenced their lives. Those encounters helped Wilson understand that an educator's impact extends beyond academic instruction and can remain with students long after they advance to another grade. "Those moments showed me that the impact of a great educator can last a lifetime," Wilson said. She began her career teaching second grade, spending two years at that level before recognizing her interest in early childhood education and the opportunity to establish a strong academic foundation for young learners. After transitioning to kindergarten, she found particular fulfillment in watching students develop from beginning learners into confident readers and writers. Today, Wilson hopes her students will remember the encouragement they received in her classroom as much as the academic skills they developed. "I hope that years from now, my scholars will remember not only what I taught them but also how I encouraged them to believe in themselves and their abilities," she said. **Building a Foundation at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ** Wilson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ in 2021. The university's program prepares future educators to teach preschool through fifth grade, emphasizing instructional strategies, pedagogical and cultural competence, and meaningful learning experiences that support diverse learners, families, and communities. During her time at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, Wilson credits several faculty members with shaping her understanding of the teaching profession. She specifically recognizes Doris Terrell, Ph.D., James C. Young, Sr., Ed.D., and Isabella T. Jenkins, Ph.D., along with the support of Felicia Moss Mayfield, Ed.D., for inspiring her approach to education. "While attending ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, I was privileged to learn from passionate educators who helped me recognize the importance and power of teachers in the classroom," Wilson said. Their mentorship reinforced the importance of intentional instruction and recognizing the potential within every student. "My experience at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ helped build the foundation of the educator I am today and continues to remind me of the responsibility and privilege that come with shaping young minds," she said. Following her undergraduate studies, Wilson continued her education at the University of Georgia, earning a Master of Education degree in learning design and technology in May 2024. **Recognizing the Impact of Educators** Wilson's recognition as the 2025–2026 [APS District Teacher of the Year](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bY1lbKU0J4) represents a significant milestone in her career. However, she views the honor as recognition of the broader work taking place at Fickett Elementary, extending beyond her individual classroom. Her perspective reflects a belief that teaching is defined not simply by awards or academic outcomes but by the dedication educators bring to their students and the relationships they establish along the way. For current ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students pursuing degrees in elementary education, Wilson encourages them to recognize the influence they will have on the young people entrusted to their care. "Never underestimate the influence you have on the students who walk into your classroom," she said. "Remember that you are doing more than teaching lessons or preparing students for assessments. You are helping shape their confidence, curiosity, and belief in what is possible for their futures." Her advice is to lead with passion, remain open to personal and professional growth, and maintain a clear sense of purpose. For Wilson, the greatest measure of an educator's success is the difference they make in the lives of their students, an influence that can extend well beyond the classroom. "The impact you make today may be something your students carry with them for a lifetime," she said. ***Explore alumni resources, events, and opportunities to stay connected with the Panther community on the*** [***ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Alumni***](/alumni) ***page.*** ![Briana Wilson, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Alumna Smiling woman with a sash in front of a brick wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/idfive_image_gallery/public/2026-11/Screenshot%202026-11-03%20at%201.13.34%E2%80%AFPM_1.png?h=ad54b936&itok=hzrxWXSa) ![Briana Wilson ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Alumna](/sites/default/files/styles/idfive_image_gallery/public/2026-11/Screenshot%202026-11-03%20at%201.05.59%E2%80%AFPM.png?h=afcfe5a5&itok=G6SWdg7h) Previous Next { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ImageGallery", "name": "Image Gallery", "mainEntity": { "@type": "ItemList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "https:\/\/www.cau.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/Screenshot%202026-11-03%20at%201.13.34%E2%80%AFPM_1.png", "caption": "", "description": "Briana Wilson, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Alumna Smiling woman with a sash in front of a brick wall.", "position": 1 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "https:\/\/www.cau.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/Screenshot%202026-11-03%20at%201.05.59%E2%80%AFPM.png", "caption": "", "description": "Briana Wilson ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Alumna", "position": 2 } ] } } ## For Media Inquiries For media inquiries please contact ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ at [404-703-2914](tel:404-703-2914)