Education allows Lithia Springs High School Lions Teacher of the Year Tonya Clemons to do what she values most: build meaningful relationships while helping students discover the power of their voices.
Clemons teaches 11th grade American Literature and Yearbook, serves as prom coordinator, and acts as the Upward Bound campus liaison. Her background as a newspaper editor and her degree in Mass Communications Journalism from Clark Atlanta University, paired with a successful marketing career at Cox Media, allow her to bring unique real-world relevance and creativity to her classroom.
Clemons operates on the principle of “connection before content.” Guided by early career advice that she possessed a natural gift for relating to students, she strives to create an environment where every student feels seen and valued. By establishing this trust, she empowers them to take risks, overcome insecurities and reach their fullest potential.
Her professional fulfillment is rooted in student success. From her first year, when her students achieved the department’s highest End of Course scores, to being recognized as the 1-800-Truck Wreck Terrific Teacher on KISS 104.1 FM and receiving the STAR Teacher Award, Clemons has consistently demonstrated her impact.
However, she measures success by a different standard: witnessing students gain the confidence to pursue goals they once thought impossible.
Outside the classroom, Clemons finds inspiration in traveling, live music, the arts and decorating. These passions fuel the meticulous vision she brings to her lessons and the school yearbook. Whether in the classroom or exploring the world, her mission remains the same: to inspire, encourage, and empower students to recognize the greatness within themselves.
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