Mrs. Virginia Ballard

Hailing from the historic town of Thomasville, Georgia, Virginia has dedicated sixteen years to shaping young minds and empowering educators, a journey rooted in a profound commitment to her hometown community. She began her distinguished career not far from where she grew up, starting as an elementary school teacher determined to build a strong foundational love for learning in young students. For years, Virginia thrived in the dynamic environment of the fifth-grade classroom, fostering academic growth across all subjects. However, it was her specialty in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) that truly ignited a passion for innovative instruction. She quickly became known for bringing hands-on, project-based learning to the forefront, transforming complex concepts into exciting, accessible challenges that prepared students for the future. Her work in the STEM classroom highlighted the power of technology to enhance learning, a focus that would soon define the next chapter of her career. The global shift in education brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic saw Virginia embrace a new challenge: becoming a virtual teacher and starting an elementary virtual academy in her school district. With characteristic enthusiasm and adaptability, She masterfully navigated the complexities of remote instruction, ensuring continuity and quality for students learning from home. This experience provided invaluable insight into the needs of both students and faculty in a technologically driven educational landscape. Not only did Virginia hone expertise in various digital learning platforms and tools, but she also developed a deep empathy for the hurdles educators faced while transitioning their entire curriculum online. Leveraging this wealth of practical experience and a deep-seated belief in the transformative potential of educational technology, Virginia moved into her current role as the Instructional Technology Specialist for Thomasville City Schools. In this capacity, She is directly impacting the entire district, focusing on integrating cutting-edge tools and best practices across all grade levels. Her work is critical to fostering digital literacy, supporting instructional innovation, and ensuring that Thomasville City Schools remains at the forefront of educational excellence. From leading professional development sessions to piloting new software and coaching teachers one-on-one, Virginia serves as a vital bridge between technology and effective teaching. Beyond the professional sphere, Virginia is a devoted mother, happily married with two children. This personal commitment informs her professional mission, as she works to ensure that every student in Thomasville receives the same high-quality, future-ready education she would want for her own children. With sixteen years of continuous service—from the hands-on fun of the fifth-grade classroom to the strategic digital planning for an entire district—Virginia's career is a testament to the power of growth, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to the students and educators of her lifelong home, Thomasville, Georgia. She continues to look forward to driving the next wave of instructional excellence.