Newton County Schools Media Specialist Named South Metro Region Library Media Specialist of the Year
Newton County Schools is proud to announce that Batini Farris, Media Specialist at Live Oak Elementary School and the district’s 2026 Media Specialist of the Year, has been named the South Metro Georgia Region Library Media Specialist of the Year.
With this honor, Farris will advance to the statewide competition for Library Media Specialist of the Year. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Library Media Association Summer Institute in June.
Farris has served Newton County Schools and Live Oak Elementary for four years, bringing a dynamic and innovative approach to the school’s media center. Her work extends far beyond traditional library services, creating a vibrant hub where literacy, technology, and creativity intersect.
“As principal of Live Oak Elementary, I am incredibly proud of Ms. Batini Farris and the outstanding work she does alongside our team to serve over 1,200 students,” said Dr. Tiffany Richardson. “Her leadership in literacy and innovation—from award-winning robotics teams and photography club to 3D printing, pre-K reading initiatives, and schoolwide reading incentive programs—has expanded learning opportunities and strengthened students’ engagement with literacy. She is an essential part of our school’s success, and we are grateful every day for her passion, creativity, and lasting impact.”
A former classroom teacher, Farris pursued a career as a media specialist to expand her impact beyond a single classroom and reach the entire school community. She believes the media center serves as the heart of a school, offering students and teachers access to resources, experiences, and opportunities that foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
“What I love most about being a media specialist is the opportunity to work with all students and expose them to a wide range of information and rich learning experiences,” said Farris. “The media center becomes more than just a library. It becomes a center of exploration and creativity where students can engage in hands-on learning.”
Farris emphasizes the critical role media specialists play in supporting school success by enhancing literacy initiatives, collaborating with teachers, and integrating technology into instruction across all grade levels.
“Being named Regional Media Specialist of the Year is a truly humbling experience,” she added. “This recognition reflects the work of creating a space where every student and teacher feels included and supported. I believe the media center is a place where everyone has a role, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to that vision every day.”
Dr. Jennifer Williams praised Farris’ impact:
“Batini Farris is the kind of educator every school hopes for. She creates a space where students feel inspired, supported, and excited to learn. Her impact is visible in the joy students have for reading and discovery each day. This honor reflects what we already know about Ms. Faris, she is exceptional, and we are so proud to celebrate her.”
Newton County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Duke Bradley added, “Ms. Farris represents the very best of Newton County Schools. The culture she has created in her media center reflects our district’s commitment to preparing students for a world that demands a variety of skills. We are proud to see her work recognized at the regional level and look forward to her continued impact on students and staff.”