Submitted by Grayson Williams
Hart County Charter System
The Hart County Charter System proudly announced Lisa Fanczi, a special education teacher at Hart County High School, as the 2026-2027 Hart County Charter System Teacher of the Year during the district’s annual convocation. The surprise announcement was made in front of hundreds of employees as the school system gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.
Fanczi was selected for the honor in recognition of her commitment to student success, her passion for building meaningful relationships and her dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. She previously earned the distinction of being named Hart County High School’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
“Being selected as District Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor, and I accept it with heartfelt gratitude,” said Fanczi. “Every day, I have the opportunity to learn from my students and work alongside exceptional educators and administrators who are deeply committed to making a difference. Helping students discover their strengths and believe in their potential is the greatest reward of this profession. I am proud to represent Hart County Schools and will continue striving to make a positive impact on every student I have the opportunity to serve.”
With more than three decades of professional experience, Fanczi brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world perspective to her classroom. She teaches students in grades 9-12 at Hart County High School, where she is known for creating a supportive learning environment built on high expectations, individualized instruction and meaningful relationships.
Fanczi holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University and a Master of Education in Business Education from the University of Georgia, where she received the Del Jones Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Academics. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her dedication to excellence, including being named Hart County High School Certified Employee of the Month twice and receiving the Good Dog Deed Award.
Beyond the classroom, Fanczi serves in numerous leadership roles that enrich the educational experience for students. She is the National Honor Society Advisor, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Facilitator, and a member of the school’s Literacy Dream Team. This school year, she will also serve as the Georgia High School High Tech Facilitator for Hart County High School, coordinating career exploration opportunities, educational sessions and field trips for students. In the spring semester, she will teach a College and Career Readiness course.
Through the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Fanczi has guided students in planning and completing impactful service projects that have benefited organizations throughout Hart County, including Brookdale Senior Living, the Hart Youth Development Resource Association (HYDRA), the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter and Hartwell Elementary School. As National Honor Society Advisor, she has created meaningful partnerships with local organizations, giving students authentic opportunities to develop leadership skills while serving others through projects supporting the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence, the Angel Tree program, Special Olympics and other community initiatives.
Fanczi also remains deeply involved in the Hart County community through her service at Hartwell First Methodist Church, where she volunteers in the children’s ministry, teaching Sunday School alongside her husband and serving in the Hope Program, an after-school ministry supporting elementary students.
“Lisa Fanczi exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator,” said Superintendent Jennifer Carter. “She has a remarkable ability to build relationships with students while inspiring them to believe in themselves and achieve more than they ever imagined. Her passion for serving others extends far beyond the classroom, and her leadership has made a lasting impact on our schools and throughout the Hart County community. We are incredibly proud to recognize her as our 2026-2027 Hart County Charter System Teacher of the Year.”
The Hart County Charter System congratulates Lisa Fanczi on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the lasting impact she continues to make on students, colleagues and the Hart County community."