At Eterno Realty Group, we believe teachers are the heart of every community. They inspire, uplift, and go above and beyond for their students every single day. That’s why we launched our July 2025 Teacher Appreciation Giveaway… to celebrate and recognize just a few of the incredible educators making a difference. We invited our community to nominate the teachers who’ve made an impact, and the response was nothing short of inspiring.

Today, we’re honored to spotlight the winners of this special giveaway and share a little about the amazing work they do!



Meet Our Honorees




Elizabeth Ferguson — “Hi! I’m a kindergarten teacher at Mount Yonah Elementary School, and this is my 9th year doing what I truly love. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Georgia and a master’s from Truett McConnell University. Each day, I walk into my classroom with one goal—to be the kind of teacher I’d want for my own child. I’m also a proud mom to a sweet 3-year-old who is the light of my life, a dog-mom to our pup Biscuit, and wife to my biggest supporter, Andrew. I wouldn’t be the teacher—or person—I am today without the Lord. His guidance shapes my heart, my home, and my classroom every single day.”




Chrissy Joiner — “I was blessed to marry a Jefferson guy and make my life here in 1991. After serving as the full time GED instructor for Jackson Co. and running the adult literacy program for 10 years, I was hired at Jefferson Elementary where I taught for 19 years. I received my Specialist degree in leadership and administration in 2006, but wasn’t sure I would ever leave the classroom. I felt truly passionate about teaching. 

In 2021 I was honored to have the opportunity to serve as an assistant principal at Jefferson Academy. The following spring, I was given the humbling and unexpected opportunity to transition back to Jefferson Elementary to serve as principal where I have remained for 3 years. What a privilege to be a part of this amazing school system, learn from great leaders, and to support such a talented and passionate staff! Our Jefferson community is amazing and gives us tremendous support. It truly takes a village to provide quality education and we sure appreciate all stakeholders in this wonderful community! It is my joy to serve the smallest students in our community!”





Sabrina Stephens — “I am Sabrina Stephens and this will be my 20th year teaching! I am so honored to have been nominated for this contest. Teaching is actually my second career, my first was in the hospitality industry, but I absolutely cannot imagine doing anything else. I am blessed to spend nine months with a group of students every year that become a family. In that time not only do they learn and grow as readers, writers, mathematicians, historians, and scientists - they also mature and grow as little people. I strive daily to encourage each of my students to believe in themselves, to encourage and be respectful of others, to include everyone and learn from each other's unique qualities, to set their goals high and follow their dreams! They may be my student for only a year, but they live in my heart forever! "Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt”


Supporting our local educators is just one of the many ways we love giving back to the communities we serve. Whether it’s in the classroom or beyond, these teachers are shaping futures and creating a brighter tomorrow, and we’re so proud to celebrate them.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop on more community giveaways, events, and local highlights. From all of us at ERG, thank you for helping us honor the heroes in our schools!