Georgia DJJ Names Teacher of the Year

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) named Heishe Brown the 2025-2026 DJJ Teacher of the Year (TOTY). Brown, a Gainesville native, is a dedicated Special Education Teacher, Case Manager and Assessment Coordinator at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC). Her career spans more than two decades, during which she has positively impacted youth by creating supportive environments where students can thrive. 

“Heishe Brown fosters a love for learning amongst her students and consistently goes above and beyond to help ensure students succeed,” said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “She inspires her students and colleagues and shines as a leader. She truly embodies the essence of Teacher of the Year.”

Brown began her career as a special education teacher in the Atlanta Public Schools System and later taught for Fulton County Schools. Before joining DJJ in 2021, she served as Director of Student Support Services at the Main Street Academy Charter School in College Park, Ga.

“Cultivating positive relationships and collaborative planning will continue to be at the forefront of my career in education, as I strive to meet the needs of every scholar I encounter,” said Brown. “This recognition inspires me to continue learning, leading, and advocating for equity and excellence in education.”

Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interrelated Special Education from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Divinity from Morehouse School of Religion. She was inducted into Theta Phi, the National Honor Society for Seminarians, in the fall of 2009 and became certified as an Education Specialist in 2013.  

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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.