DALTON, Ga. — Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce Ana Karen Ruiz, a first-year sixth grade social studies teacher at Hammond Creek Middle School, as the district’s Rookie of the Year.

The new Rookie of the Year program was created to recognize educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, creativity and impact in their classrooms and schools from the very start of their careers. Through this recognition, Dalton Public Schools aims to support, encourage and showcase the important contributions of its newest teachers as they help shape student success.

Ruiz was selected from nominations submitted by Dalton Public Schools employees. To be eligible, nominees must be fully certified teachers who completed their first full year of teaching at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

Before joining Hammond Creek Middle School as a classroom teacher, Ruiz completed her student teaching experience with Dalton Public Schools at Dalton Junior High School during the 2024-2025 school year. While student teaching in eighth grade, she independently prepared lessons, collaborated closely with her mentor teacher to align instruction with the pacing guide and developed cross-curricular activities to help students make meaningful connections between subjects. She also supported ESOL students by translating activities and creating multilingual documents, participated in parent-teacher conferences and helped track and document student progress.

Ruiz also brings valuable leadership experience from her time serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2013 to 2019 as a legal services specialist. In that role, she led a team of eight Marines, managed daily operations, oversaw confidential legal documentation and trained and mentored junior Marines. Her background in leadership, organization, attention to detail and service has helped shape the strong classroom culture she has built during her first year of teaching.

Throughout her first year in the classroom, Ruiz has made a meaningful impact by building strong relationships with students, creating a positive classroom culture and maintaining high expectations for learning and growth.

“As a first-year teacher, Ms. Ruiz has exemplified what it means to build a positive culture,” said Hammond Creek Middle School Principal Heather Lawson. “She has intentionally built relationships, established clear expectations and fostered a sense of belonging from day one in her classroom.”

Lawson shared that Ruiz greets students at the door, learns about their interests and incorporates student voice into lessons, helping students feel seen and heard. Her classroom routines are purposeful, creating a safe environment where effort and growth are celebrated.

“Through positive reinforcement, meaningful conversations and genuine belief in her students’ potential, she has cultivated a classroom where respect, engagement and a shared commitment to excellence thrive well beyond what is expected of a first-year teacher,” Lawson said.

Ruiz’s work also reflects the district commitments shared by Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft, including positive culture and standards-based Tier 1 instruction. In her classroom, students are consistently challenged, supported and held to high standards both academically and personally.

“Ms. Ruiz creates a classroom where students are consistently challenged, supported and held to high standards,” Lawson said. “She sets high expectations, uses rigorous questions, provides meaningful feedback and encourages productive struggle.”

Lawson added that Ruiz celebrates students for growth, not just perfection, making her a champion for many of her students.

“Ms. Ruiz doesn’t just meet expectations for Tier I instruction, but consistently rises above them, showing determination, curiosity and commitment to excellence,” Lawson said. “This sets her apart and makes her the best choice for Rookie of the Year.”

Dalton Public Schools congratulates Ana Karen Ruiz on this well-deserved honor and celebrates her outstanding first year of teaching at Hammond Creek Middle School.