Cobb County Teacher of the Year turns lessons on cells and DNA into lessons for life

Cobb County's 2026 High School Teacher of the Year says her greatest purpose is helping students find theirs. Before Lisa Peacock begins a biology lesson, she asks her students to think about something bigger: their gifts, choices and future.

At Osborne High School, Peacock encourages her students to explore, question, and discover, one biology lesson at a time.

"What's your gift? What's your talent? Quote for the day," Peacock asks her class.

"Control the way you respond to what's happening. That's where your power is. What do I always tell you guys? You have the power of choice," student Carlos Corral responded.

For Peacock, teaching is more than a job.

"These kids have my heart, and they know it. I don't think of my job as a job. I found my gift a long time ago working with kids, and now I found my purpose," Peacock said.

She also works to build relationships with students beyond the classroom.

"I have students that I always tell them, when you graduate, because I love you beyond these four walls … if you want my number, I will give you a reference. I will be there for you," Peacock said.

Corral, a 10th grader in Peacock's biology class, said her approach sets her apart from other teachers.

"It's an adventure. It's probably the best class I've had in my time being in school. The way she teaches us, I'm able to learn things and understand. I've had other teachers were after weeks and weeks of teaching, I still couldn't understand. She's just a loving person in general," Corral said.

Peacock's school day often begins before everyone else's and ends long after the final bell. But for her, teaching goes beyond cells and DNA.

"Whether or not they remember science topics like mitosis and photosynthesis 20 years from now, they remember not my name, but that there was kindness and that somebody cared about them and was rooting for them," Peacock said.