A teacher from Lavonia Elementary School has been named the Franklin County School System’s 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Starting as a Kindergarten teacher, Matthews then taught in the Early Intervention Program (EIP) and now is a teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Matthews is a 2005 Franklin Co High School graduate and is married to Laurel Matthews. Matthews is one of five Franklin County teachers of the year named at this school. The other four Teachers of the Year include:Carnesville Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tiffany WilliamsSouth Franklin Teacher of the Year Amanda BroomeFranklin County Middle School Teacher of the Year Elizabeth (FOSHAY) FaucherFranklin County High School Teacher of the Year Taylor BrownEach educator chosen exemplifies the high standards established by the Georgia Teacher of the Year program.