Carrollton Middle School Teacher of the Year Amby Shoemake is pictured with her students (from left) Miguel Gamble, Zoey Hollingsworth, Reniyah Hunt, and Wyatt Hutchings.
Known for her ability to motivate others to achieve their full potential, Carrollton Middle School Teacher of the Year Amby Shoemake understands the power of believing in yourself and reminding others to strive for excellence. Shoemake set her sights on the classroom from a young age and has lived her dream for the past two decades.
From staging a classroom in her grandmother’s living room to insisting others join her “class,” Shoemake recalls daydreaming about becoming a teacher one day.
Upon graduating high school, Shoemake attended the University of West Georgia, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education in Middle Grades Education. She later completed a specialist’s degree in instructional technology from Valdosta State University. Her dream became reality, and she has never stopped learning to be the best educator she can for her students.
Spending all her years in education teaching sixth, seventh and eighth graders, Shoemake has mastered the delicate balance of upholding high expectations and instilling confidence. She holds true to the idea that if students know they are loved and valued, they will be able to do the work to accomplish their goals, even when they encounter obstacles.
Walking through the halls of Carrollton Middle School, it is common to hear Shoemake motivating students and never letting them settle when they think they “can’t” do something. She even has a quote she calls “simple yet profound” on her bulletin board: “Yes, you can!”
Shoemake does not just proclaim this sentiment; she lives it out.
Partnering with her students’ families and fellow educators to ensure students have what they need to succeed demonstrates her passion and commitment to helping students become the best versions of themselves.
“I know that every single student has potential,” said Shoemake. “With this knowledge comes my responsibility to reach every child through intentional planning, differentiation, and whatever it takes to meet them where they are and guide them to where I know they need to be — a place in their educational journey where they become confident, equipped, and empowered.”
Never shying away from a leadership opportunity, Shoemake has led as department chair, team lead, grade-level lead, and mentor to new teachers. Each role has proven instrumental in her development as a teacher and a leader. She is adored by her close-knit language arts team and continues to make a profound impact on the Trojan Nation.
CMS Principal Eric Simmons shared about Shoemake’s leadership and professionalism.
“Amby is an exceptional teacher. She displays genuine integrity and care to all stakeholders of CMS,” said Simmons. “Whether she is helping a student master a new concept or mentoring a new teacher, she continually looks for opportunities to build others up. I am grateful to have her as a member of our team.”
Shoemake’s impact on her students and other faculty members led to her selection as Carrollton Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. She and other Teacher of the Year recipients, Lisa Hines, Carrollton Elementary School; Brittany Young, Carrollton Upper Elementary School; and Shannon Bright, Carrollton High School, are now vying for the district honor to be announced at the district’s opening convocation on July 29.
