- December 27, 2025
Rymfire Elementary School Teacher of the Year Hayley Gurley has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education, with the majority of her teaching career spent in Georgia. Five years ago, she and her husband relocated to Florida to be closer to family.
Gurley is in her fourth year as Rymfire’s behavior interventionist. She graduated from the University of Georgia and holds a master's degree in Instructional Design from WGU.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
My aunt, Grace Adkins, had a profound impact on my life. She dedicated 75 years to teaching, retiring on her 95th birthday. I've always had a passion for helping others. This desire, combined with my aunt's influence, led me to pursue a career in teaching.
I transitioned [to the role of behavior interventionist] because I am passionate about supporting students who may need assistance in managing their behavior. My goal is to help every student recognize their value and understand that they deserve a quality education. I hope to contribute to their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
How does the nomination make you feel?
I am truly honored and grateful for this nomination. It means the world to me to know that my work is recognized and valued.
What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
My favorite part about being a teacher is forming meaningful relationships with my students and demonstrating my genuine investment in their education. I find such joy in knowing my students truly feel that I care about them.
What is one thing you are taking away from this experience?
One thing I'm taking away from this experience is the reminder that the small, everyday moments count. The small wins, the patience and the relationships really do matter.
Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated?
What motivates me during challenging times is the relationships I'm building with my students and knowing they rely on me. I show up because I don't want to let them down. I want them to know they matter and are worth my best efforts every day. I also love my work family and have the privilege of working with incredibly talented educators.
What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students?
I don't have a single memorable moment that has influenced my approach to educating students; rather, it's been a series of observations throughout my career. Over the years, I've noticed that students who struggle with behavior often lose their self-confidence and motivation to learn. I've also seen their parents feel defeated. This led me to develop a strong desire to understand the "why" behind the behavior and to help. This desire has truly shaped how I interact with my students and their families.
If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be?
The one piece of advice I have for my students is to never give up. Embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities. You are capable of achieving more than you can imagine.
Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life?
Outside of my job, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my three grandchildren.
