Troyanna “Troy” Foster, an Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor with Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Adult Education program, has been named GNTC’s Adult Education Teacher of the Year for 2026.

“Adult Education makes what seems impossible possible,” Foster said. “I take pride in helping students celebrate each small win until they have graduated with their High School Equivalency (HSE), giving themselves a chance at a better life.”

Foster will be recognized at the 2026 Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Leadership Institute, March 9-11, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. During the event, one instructor from Georgia’s 22 technical colleges will be chosen as the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Office of Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

“Troyanna sets a standard of teaching excellence for others to follow,” said Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC. “Observing her in the classroom as she engages her students with compassion reveals her deep commitment to their success.”

Shaw said Foster continually looks for new ways to motivate and inspire students, always keeping their success in mind. She also works to support her colleagues and is dedicated to the mission of Adult Education and to strengthening her community and the workforce of Georgia.

Foster, who has 11 years of teaching experience and three years in her current role at GNTC, said Adult Education gives students hope for the future and helps them reach their educational and career goals.

GNTC’s Adult Education program offers free classes year-round in Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, English as a Second Language and preparation for the Georgia High School Equivalency (GED® test or HiSET® exam). GNTC is an official GED® Testing Center in partnership with Pearson VUE, GED® Testing Services and the Technical College System of Georgia.

For more information, contact GNTC’s Office of Adult Education at 706-295-6976.