Georgia DJJ Names Teacher of the Year

(Decatur, GA) - The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) named Syntria Holmes-Jackson the 2026-2027 DJJ Teacher of the Year. Holmes-Jackson, a Monticello, Ga., native, is a social science teacher at the Macon Youth Development Campus (YDC) located in Bibb County. She has served as a dedicated DJJ educator for nearly 20 years.

"Syntria Holmes-Jackson demonstrates exceptional educational leadership," said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. "Her belief in the potential of every student speaks to her commitment to our mission to transform young lives and create lifelong learners. I am honored to name her the DJJ Teacher of the Year."

Mrs. Holmes-Jackson began her career at DJJ as a recreation supervisor in 2005. Two years later, she began teaching social science at Macon YDC, a role she has held for almost two decades. She serves as the DJJ Assessment Coordinator and as Chair of the Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Support System.

Holmes-Jackson is also a member of the DJJ Policy Review Committee and has been a mentor teacher for more than 10 years, providing guidance, encouragement, and professional support to educators across the school district.

"I work with students who are facing significant challenges, so my goal is to create classrooms where every student feels seen, heard, and valued," said Holmes-Jackson. "I am grateful for this recognition from the DJJ leadership team and my colleagues from across the agency. It is truly a testament that when an educator shows up fully, believes deeply, and teaches intentionally, we can have a profound impact on learning and create experiences that last a lifetime."

Holmes-Jackson holds an Associate of Arts degree in Political Science from Gordon State College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education with a concentration in History, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Ga. She also holds a Coaching Endorsement and a Teacher Support and Coaching Endorsement from the Middle Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency.

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The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves the state's justice-involved youth up to 21 years of age. The Department's mission is to transform young lives by providing evidence-based rehabilitative treatment services and supervision, strengthening youth and families' well-being, and fostering safe communities.