Meet the Teacher Advisory Council: Amy Lavery of Clayton ES!

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community.  You can learn more about the Council and see the full list of its members online here.

Amy Lavery of Clayton Elementary School

A 27-year educator, Ms. Lavery teaches fifth-grade English language arts at Clayton Elementary School. She began her teaching career in Rockford Public School District in Rockford, Ill. where she taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade and served as a Title I/MTSS Intervention teacher for K-5. Since joining CCSD in 2023, Ms. Lavery has served in her current role.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
My first job out of college was as a social worker supporting children who had experienced abuse. I found the work meaningful and rewarding, but after several years, the emotional toll of witnessing so much trauma left me feeling drained. What remained constant, however, was how much I loved working with children. Inspired by my mother, who was a teacher, I chose to return to school and earn my master’s degree in education. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving children as an educator for the past 27 years, a career that continues to be both fulfilling and inspiring.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Moving to Georgia and joining CCSD have given me the chance to take on a new grade level, which has challenged me and helped me grow in countless ways. Teaching a curriculum that was new to me has been both exciting and rewarding, and I’ve discovered how much I love working with students at this transformative and unique age. Having the opportunity to positively impact their lives is truly an honor. Just as meaningful has been the opportunity to work with my colleagues at Clayton, whose support and collaboration make each day enjoyable and fulfilling.

How do you elevate the excellence in your classroom?
I elevate excellence by first creating a positive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued, heard, and loved. I want each child to know they are an important part of our classroom community. From there, I set high expectations and encourage a growth mindset, helping students build the confidence and belief that they can accomplish any goal they choose to pursue. In fifth grade, I also focus on fostering independence, responsibility, and collaboration — skills that prepare students for middle school and beyond. By integrating engaging lessons, real-world connections, and opportunities for teamwork, I aim to inspire a love of learning while helping students recognize their own potential.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence