2026 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award recipient Caycee Tyler (center) is pictured with McGraw Hill representatives Yvette Williams (left) and Kelly Kimball (right) during a recognition ceremony at WGTC’s Murphy Campus.
Caycee Tyler, Department Chair of Natural Sciences and Biology Instructor at West Georgia Technical College, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award.
Presented by McGraw Hill, a leading global provider of education solutions for preK-12, higher education and professional learning, this national honor recognizes educators who drive meaningful improvements in student outcomes through innovative teaching practices. Now in its fourth year, the award celebrates pioneers in education who are transforming how students learn and succeed.
Selected as one of three winners nationwide, Tyler was recognized for her student-centered approach to science instruction, which removes barriers to learning while maintaining high expectations. Through intentional course design and the integration of augmented reality technology, she creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make complex scientific concepts more accessible.
Her multimodal teaching approach blends visual, auditory, and kinesthetic strategies—including hands-on models, short videos, movement-based activities, and guided practice—to support diverse learning styles and reinforce understanding.
By structuring lessons and lab experiences in flexible, repeatable formats, Tyler ensures students can build competence through practice—leading to stronger lab skills, higher exam averages, and increased engagement. Her approach is especially impactful for students who may initially lack confidence in science, helping them develop both the skills and self-belief needed to succeed.
“Caycee embodies what innovation in education truly looks like,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of West Georgia Technical College. “She is constantly seeking out the tools and strategies that will have the greatest impact on her students’ learning. Her ability to remove barriers while maintaining rigor is remarkable, and the results speak for themselves. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
Tyler expressed gratitude for the recognition and the support behind her work.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized as a 2026 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award recipient. It’s an honor to represent West Georgia Technical College and to be recognized alongside educators doing innovative, student-centered work. I’m thankful to McGraw Hill for this recognition, and especially to Dean Kirk for encouraging me to pursue this opportunity and for helping create space for this work to grow. I’m also deeply appreciative of Dr. Post, VP Kristen Buoy, and the entire Academic Affairs team for their continued support and trust as we bring student-centered tools and ideas into our classrooms.”
Each Pathfinder Award recipient receives a $5,000 cash prize and a one-hour professional learning consultation from CAST, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making learning more inclusive through research-based design and professional services.
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.
