Carrollton Upper Elementary School Teacher of the Year Brittany Young poses with some of her students. Pictured from left (back row) are Ali Venegas Martinez, Orlando Renteria Cortez, Hadley Alexander, Ian Castillo, Karsyn Moran, Caly Mae Turner, Nelson Bonilla Rodriguez, Jezer Rodriguez Rodriguez, Deandre White, and D’Corion Billingsley; (front row) Amelia Ruth Smith, Grace Lizano, Emma Miller, CUES Teacher of the Year Brittany Young, Reagan Dyer and Hattie Englebird.
Anchored in a passion for building meaningful relationships that inspire learning, Brittany Young understands her calling to teach goes far beyond delivering curriculum. Named Carrollton Upper Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, Young believes learning happens when students know they are genuinely supported, despite the obstacles they have had to face.
Young remembers being in elementary school, admiring her teachers’ desks of supplies, lesson plans and stacks of papers to grade, and knowing she wanted to have a classroom of her own one day. Despite facing learning challenges herself as a young reader, she enjoyed using her academic strengths to help her classmates.
Throughout her academic journey, Young was significantly impacted by educators who fostered her growth with their support and innovative teaching. Notably, her fifth-grade teacher, Chip Jett at Buchanan Elementary, showed her that classrooms can be vibrant, energetic, and creative while learning takes place.
Applying her experiences as a student to her outlook on teaching, Young entered her first student teaching placement and knew she was on the right path. Upon graduating from the University of West Georgia in 2012, she accepted a position as a special education teacher at Carrollton Middle School, and she has been with the system ever since.
Young believes in lifelong learning, including her own. Early in her career, she pushed into classrooms as a co-teacher and was able to learn alongside experienced veteran teachers.
“It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to learn from master teachers, deepen my understanding of effective instructional strategies, and build confidence in my abilities as an educator,” said Young.
She continued her professional development by earning a master’s degree in early childhood education, followed by an educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction.
She and her husband, Charles, are both educators in the district, boasting nearly 15 years of service to the children of Carrollton. They tell everyone that they are “all-in” for the Trojan Nation and have a passion for this community.
“From the moment I accepted the call to teach, I understood that my role was about far more than delivering curriculum. My primary goal each day is for my students to leave my classroom knowing they are loved, valued, and seen,” said Young. “I care deeply about who they are as individuals, not just how they perform academically. When students feel safe, accepted, and supported, that is when genuine learning begins.”
CUES Principal Tabitha Walker has seen the impact Young has on her students and school.
“Brittany embodies the heart of an exceptional educator who consistently builds meaningful connections with students and their families,” said Walker. “Her expertise positively impacts student growth and success. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented and devoted teacher as part of our Carrollton Upper Elementary faculty.”
Young’s impact on her students and other faculty members led to her selection as Carrollton Upper Elementary School Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. She and other Teacher of the Year recipients, Lisa Hines, Carrollton Elementary School; Amby Shoemake, Carrollton Middle 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.
