Veteran Jade Thomas Brings Leadership, Discipline and Heart to the Classroom in Warner Robins, GA
In the Robins Region, the connection between the community and Robins Air Force Base runs deep.
It shows up in neighborhoods, local businesses and in places like Jade Thomas’ classroom.
A fourth-grade teacher at Lake Joy Elementary in Warner Robins, Thomas brings a unique perspective to education, shaped by eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Today, as the 2024–2025 Houston County Teacher of the Year and the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year Runner-Up, she’s blending her military background with her calling in education to create a classroom experience where all students are supported, challenged and understood.
“I always knew education was where my heart was,” Thomas says. “Growing up in a large family with seven children, including younger brothers with special needs, I found myself stepping into the role of teacher early on – even with little things like teaching them to tie their shoes.
“That’s where my passion for nurturing children comes from,” she adds. “But being from such a big family, I wasn’t sure how I could afford college to become a teacher.”
Right Place, Right Time
The military provided a pathway to make that dream possible. Through tuition assistance and the GI Bill, Thomas earned her degree without the financial burden many students face. She met her husband, a Georgia native, during her service, and the couple made the move to the Robins Region and the Houston County School District.
“Houston County is a great place to start your teaching career,” she says. “A lot of people leave other districts to come here. It’s just a great place to teach.”
Superintendent Dr. Richard Rogers says the Houston County School District is intentional about both recruitment and retention, offering competitive salaries that exceed the state average and creating a supportive environment through mentorship, professional growth opportunities and a positive culture that values relationships and collaboration.
“We’re incredibly proud to have educators like Jade Thomas in Houston County. Individuals who bring experiences like military service into the classroom offer something truly special, not just in their skills, but in the perspective, leadership and resilience they model for our students every day,” Rogers says. “They help students develop not only academically, but also in areas like discipline and perseverance. That kind of influence leaves a lasting impression well beyond graduation.”
Leadership in Action
Thomas served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps, deploying three times, including a combat tour in Afghanistan. While her role in communications focused on radios, systems and troubleshooting, the leadership lessons she gained have become the foundation of her teaching style.
“The best way to learn is by doing,” Thomas says. “If students are engaged – if they’re up, moving, experiencing something – they’re going to remember it.”
During a unit on the American Revolution, for example, students stage protests around campus, complete with handmade signs and spirited marches. When learning about the California Gold Rush, they dress as 49ers and head outside to pan for gold coins.
Supporting Those Who Serve
Beyond academics, Thomas is also helping meet a critical need for military families. As co-founder of the Military Kids Club at Lake Joy Elementary, she has created a space where students with parents in the military can connect, share experiences and support one another. The club meets twice a month and offers everything from game days to service projects benefiting active-duty personnel and veterans.
“It’s not a typical experience for a parent to be gone for a year,” Thomas says. “These students need a support system. They need to know they’re not alone.”
Her own experiences as both a service member and a military parent bring an added layer of understanding. That shared connection builds immediate trust with families.
“There’s a sense of relief,” she says. “Parents know I understand what they’re going through, and that their child is going to be taken care of.”
Thomas’ work is part of a broader commitment within the district to support military families. Since 2021, 15 schools in the district have earned the Georgia Department of Education’s Military Flagship School designation, recognizing campuses that go above and beyond to serve students from military families.
“Programs like the Military Kids Club create a built-in support system for students who face unique challenges like frequent moves or deployments while providing a sense of connection and belonging,” Rogers says. “Academically, they help schools ensure smooth transitions, strong communication and the right supports are in place so students can stay on track, even during times of change.”
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