Dalton, GA ā Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Shalisa Love has been named the 2026 Tom Jones Educator of the Year by the Dalton Education Foundation.
With 15 years in education and 20 years in coaching, Love has made a profound impact on students, athletes, and the broader Dalton community. Having worked with students across elementary, middle, and high school, she currently serves as a CTAE educator leading the Teaching as a Profession Pathway.
Her dedication to the district spans her entire life; she attended Dalton Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, starting at Roan School and graduating as a Dalton High School Catamount.
Over her career within the district, Love has served as a substitute teacher for four years, a paraprofessional for one year, and a classroom teacher for the past 15 years.
Throughout her career, Love has continuously sought innovative ways to engage students and prepare them for the real world. She teaches critical employability skills, including resume writing and interviewing, and organizes practicum placements where her students shadow and assist with instruction in classrooms across Dalton Public Schools.
Her influence extends well beyond the classroom through her distinguished coaching career; she has led her cheerleading team to 20 consecutive state appearances and currently serves as the Director of Cheer Operations for the district. Love also actively organizes major community events, such as the district's Homecoming Pep Rallies and the annual Spooks and Spirits cheer competition, which brings dozens of teams to the school each year.
Love describes her purpose this way: āMy ultimate goal is to inspire students to believe in themselves, take ownership of their choices, and understand that their future rests in their own power. I try to reach this goal by creating an environment in which students feel supported, challenged, and prepared. I want them prepared not just for school, but for life. We are not in charge of cultivating students, we are shaping adults."
The Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional relationships with students, parents, and the community, as well as outstanding professional accomplishments. The award is named in honor of the late Tom Jones, a beloved Dalton Public Schools administrator whose legacy of excellence continues to inspire educators.
"The 2026 Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award recognizes an educator within Dalton Public Schools whose dedication has profoundly impacted the lives of students in our community," said Dr. Lisa Hackney, President of the Dalton Education Foundation. "Dalton Education Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to this yearās recipient for her contributions to education. Shalisa Love has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student growth, creativity, and achievement both in the classroom and on the sidelines; continuing the legacy of Tom Jones, whose vision and leadership helped shape education in Dalton."
This yearās recipient will receive a $4,000 award, with an additional $1,500 awarded to their school in recognition of the teamwork that supports their success.
In addition to Talleyās recognition, Dalton Public Schools also congratulates the 2026 finalists for their outstanding contributions to education:
Elizabeth Cox ā DPS
Dr. Steven Craft ā DPS
Kimberley Fannin ā Park Creek Elementary School
Alma Fraire ā Hammond Creek Middle School
Brandon Headrick ā Park Creek Elementary School
Shalisa Love ā Dalton High School
Sarah O'Neill ā Blue Ridge Elementary School
Erin Roberts ā Park Creek Elementary School
Jennifer Sumner ā Dalton Jr. High School
Dr. Cindy Wiggins ā The Dalton Academy
Dalton Public Schools extends its sincere thanks to the Dalton Education Foundation for its continued support of teachers and schools. The foundation's commitment to recognizing and investing in educators helps strengthen the learning experiences of students across the district.
###