Teacher of the Year

Celebrating Our 2025 District Teacher of the Year

Georgia Cyber Academy is thrilled to announce Dr. Felicia Lowman Sikes as the 2025–2026 District Teacher of the Year!

Dr. Sikes, our Primary Grades Teacher of the Year, inspires students daily with her dedication, innovation, and heart for learning. She will represent GCA in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.

Teacher of the Year Dr. Felicia Lowman-Sykes

Dr. Lowman-Sikes has dedicated more than 26 years to education, serving as both a teacher and an administrator. She and her husband live on a USDA preservation farm in Virginia, where they raise sheep, chickens, and rescue miniature donkeys, while their daughter pursues a degree in Vocal Performance and Literature at Sarah Lawrence College. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys gardening, wildcrafting herbs, hiking, playing piano, and reading.

As a first-generation college student from Appalachia, Dr. Lowman-Sikes understands the challenges students face when they feel different or overlooked. Growing up, she was deeply influenced by teachers and mentors who recognized her unique interests and encouraged her curiosity. Their support helped her embrace her love of learning — from children’s brain development to the medicinal properties of plants — and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in education.

“My purpose is to serve as an encourager and guide as they navigate the world of a million questions and possibilities.”

– Dr. Lowman-Sikes

Georgia Cyber Academy's Teacher of the Year Program recognizes outstanding educators by identifying one teacher from each grade band. Nominations are submitted by grade band staff, and finalists are selected through a district-wide staff vote, which includes reviewing each teacher’s submitted bio and a recorded lesson. The overall winner is celebrated during our fall face-to-face professional development and becomes eligible to participate in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program.

Georgia Teacher of the Year is an honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. Candidates are carefully considered, and a recipient is selected which best represents all the talents, strengths, and values of the district.

Dr. Lowman-Sikes will go on to represent GCA at the state level for the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Learn more about the Georgia Teacher of the Year program

Hootworthy

Dr. Felicia Lowman-Sikes: Hootworthy Teacher of the Year, Pink Wigs and All

Aug 29 2025

Dr. Felicia Lowman-Sikes just might be the most unforgettable kindergarten teacher at GCA—pink wig, silly songs, and all. As our District Teacher of the Year, she’s earned the spotlight not just for her credentials, but for the way she makes every student feel seen, loved, and excited to learn. From garden hikes to noun songs, Dr. Lowman-Sikes proves that teaching with heart is what truly sticks.

When Dr. Felicia Lowman-Sikes walked into the kitchen during her lunch break and saw the GCA leadership team waiting, she had no idea what was coming. She was about to be named District Teacher of the Year. Cue the cameras, a little disbelief, and a lot of emotion.

Felicia teaches kindergarten and brings energy, heart, and a love of learning into every lesson. She sings songs about nouns. She plans Fun Fridays with color themes and silly wigs. Her goal is simple. She wants every student to feel loved and to love learning.

She didn’t always plan on being a teacher. Law school was the original path until one education class gave her a glimpse of the classroom. That moment changed everything. She went on to earn her doctorate in curriculum and instruction and says she keeps learning because she wants to make a real difference.

One of the best compliments she’s ever received came after the school year ended. A student sent her a voice message saying he missed her, wanted to come back to school, and loved her. That kind of love sticks.

Outside the classroom, Felicia finds peace in the outdoors. She loves gardening, hiking, and camping with her family. Her students have taught her a lot too. She’s learned to stay resilient and not take life too seriously.

She gives credit to her entire primary team, her co-teachers, her parapro Kay, her administrators, and her husband and daughter. This award is a celebration of her impact, but also of the people who support her along the way.

Do you have a 🦉 Hootworthy story? We would love to hear about it! Reach out to us here: https://www.georgiacyber.org/hootworthy

Check out the full interview on our Youtube ▶ channel

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