Morganne Harper, named Carrollton High School’s Teacher of the Year, keeps advocacy and empowerment central to her mission as an educator. Knowing the importance of communication and independence in building student confidence, Harper has defined her career by teaching her students how to excel both in and out of the classroom.
From a young age, Harper was eager to open her heart and remain curious about those around her, with an authentic vulnerability that allowed her to connect well with others. As a child, she developed a close friendship with a girl named Megan, who has Down syndrome. This bond had an incredible impact on Harper’s understanding of inclusion and inspired her to pursue special education as a career—even taking on a work-based learning internship during her own high school years.
This opportunity taught her valuable lessons in how to build meaningful relationships with students, advocate for those who struggle to speak for themselves, and create opportunities for them to succeed both academically and personally—all attributes she has refined in her own teaching practices today.
Harper earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia and later obtained her master’s degree in special education with an autism endorsement from Georgia Southern University. Applying her expertise to planning lessons that create empowering experiences for her students, Harper notes that while academic skills are vital, achievements that increase independence and life skills are equally valuable.
“I often think about the successes that are not always visible to others,” Harper said. “While awards, test scores, and public recognition can be and are important measures of success, many of the accomplishments I value most occur in small, everyday moments that have a profound impact on my students’ lives. My students make strides toward success every day, and it is important to note those as profound.”
Her colleagues know her commitment extends far beyond the classroom. Harper serves as the school’s head volleyball coach and is heavily involved in the community through Carrollton Therapeutics and the Special Olympics, where she helps create opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in athletics, leadership, and community engagement. For Harper, ultimate success is watching her students launch into the world with the ability to communicate with others, advocate for themselves, and function with more independence and confidence.
Dr. Ian Lyle, who served as her principal for the last five years, reflected on all that Harper does to make a difference in the lives of her students at CHS.
“Coach Harper goes above and beyond for her students both inside and outside of the classroom,” Lyle said. “She has done everything from coordinating students’ birthday parties to planning a senior trip for her students this past year. She is a fantastic teacher and person who cares deeply for the students of Carrollton High School and our community.”
She has set herself on a path to continue positively influencing those around her. Currently, Harper is completing her specialist degree in special education with a concentration in teacher leadership. Her goal is to enhance her classroom instruction while strengthening her skills in collaboration, advocacy, and leadership to better support her colleagues and families.
Harper’s impact on her students and other faculty members led to her selection as Carrollton High School Teacher of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year. Harper and other Teacher of the Year recipients, Dr. Mandy Duffey, Carrollton Elementary School; Karee Payne, Carrollton Upper Elementary School; and Juanito Redwine, Carrollton Middle School, will be considered for the district honor to be announced at the district’s system kickoff on July 29.
