Three Brookwood School Educators Earn Prestigious GISA Master Teacher Designation

THOMASVILLE -- ​​Three Brookwood School faculty members – Junior Kindergarten Teacher Brooke Crocker, Math Department Chair Amanda Hanke, and Fine Arts Department Chair Trellis Payne – have officially been named Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Master Teachers.

The GISA Master Teacher Program recognizes experienced educators across the state who exhibit best practices in the classroom and a commitment to peer collaboration. To earn the credential, candidates complete an extensive application process that requires assembling a comprehensive portfolio of their instructional work, student outcomes, professional leadership, and letters of recommendation.

"The GISA Master Teacher recognition speaks to the caliber and dedication of our faculty," said Dr. Randy Watts, Brookwood Headmaster. "Brookwood is blessed with seasoned and talented teachers, and I am grateful to have this opportunity for them to be put in the spotlight. Mrs. Crocker, Mrs. Hanke, and Ms. Payne are each outstanding teachers, and this recognition highlights the broad impact they have across our entire school."

Brooke Crocker, marking ten years of teaching Junior Kindergarten at Brookwood, serves as Coordinator of the JK Program and previously served as Director of the JK Warrior After School Program. Known for creating a structured yet warm environment in her classroom, Crocker coordinates the campus Community Helpers program, assists with the All-School Musical, and coaches cheerleading. "Reflecting on my classroom practices helped me recognize how much intentionality goes into creating a meaningful learning environment," Crocker shared. "My passion comes from watching students grow in confidence, character, and academics."

Amanda Hanke, in her eighth year of full-time teaching at Brookwood, teaches Middle School math and serves as Math Department Chair for grades 6–12. Beyond the classroom, Hanke brings subject matter to life through hands-on events like Pi Day, sponsors the Student Council, leads the Brainbowl team, and supports school athletics. "Creating the portfolio reminded me how much I value creating a classroom where students feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn," said Hanke. "I believe we are always better teachers when we learn from one another."

Trellis Payne, now in her sixth year at Brookwood, serves as Middle and Upper School Fine Arts Teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair. Payne brings campus-wide visual art themes to life, coordinates set designs for stage productions, chaperones summer trips to Europe, and is currently developing an on-campus gallery exhibit to highlight student artwork. "The portfolio process gave me a chance to step back and see just how far teaching can reach beyond the walls of my classroom," Payne noted. "There's nothing better than seeing students genuinely have fun making art and feel proud of what they’ve created."

Earning the credential reflects both the rigorous standards set by GISA and Brookwood's emphasis on continuous faculty development.

"The Master Teacher Program bestows well-deserved recognition to GISA Master Teachers who exhibit best practices in the classroom and a willingness to share and collaborate with other educators," said Dr. Stan Whitlock, Director of the GISA Master Teacher Program. "GISA commends its Master Teachers who inspire excellence in the classroom, among colleagues, and, especially, among students."