DCSS Exceptional Students Program

The ESP Department is truly going to miss Mrs. Pamela Bearden!
After 40 years of dedicated service to Dougherty County School System, she has decided to finally throw in the. towel! Even after retiring two years ago,
her love and commitment to the department brought her back to continue supporting our staff and students. Mrs. Bearden has truly been a jewel and an anchor for the Exceptional Students Program. Her wisdom, loyalty, and heart for people will never be forgotten. We wish her nothing but happiness, peace, and a well deserved retirement!

Mrs. Felicia Macklin and Ms. Lashonda Jackson are retiring after a combined 67+ years of service with Dougherty County School System and the Exceptional Students Program!
These two sweet ladies have dedicated their lives to loving, supporting, and advocating for students over the years, and their impact has truly been unmatched. Their kindness, patience, wisdom, and genuine love for children have touched so many lives across our district.
To know them is to love them! They have been such a special part of our ESP family, and while we are excited for this new chapter, they will truly be missed more than words can express. Thank you both for your years of hard work, dedication, and service. Your legacy will continue to live on through the many students, families, and staff members you have inspired along the way. Wishing you both a beautiful, peaceful, and well-deserved retirement!

Shout out to our amazing ESP teacher and Paraprofessional at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Martin, for being recognized by their school for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to students! We are so proud of the positive impact they continue to make each day through love, patience, and service to our students with exceptionalities. Thank you both for representing the Exceptional Students Program so well and for helping make MLK Elementary such a special place for students to learn and grow!

What an amazing way to close out the school year! We celebrated our incredible Exceptional Students Program staff and all of the hard work, dedication, love, and teamwork that made this year so special. We laughed, celebrated, reflected, and simply enjoyed one another. Yes, we had SO much fun! Thank you all for making this year one to remember. So many great things are ahead for the ESP Department. Enjoy your summer...you've earned it!

On Wednesday, we celebrated two incredible women who have poured their hearts into serving the students, families, and staff of our district for a combined 67.5 years! Happy Retirement to Mrs. Felicia Macklin with 32.5 years of dedicated service and
Ms. Lashonda Jackson with 35 amazing years of service! Your love, commitment, wisdom, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on so many lives.
The Exceptional Students Program family is truly going to miss you both more than words can express. Thank you for the countless lives you’ve touched, the difference you’ve made, and the legacy you leave behind. Wishing you both a retirement filled with peace, joy, laughter, and all the happiness you deserve! 💙🎉

Today was a beautiful day of celebration, love, and victory as we honored our very own Mrs. Robinson ringing the bell after her final treatment!
More than 60 friends, coworkers, sorority sisters, and family members gathered to witness this special moment and celebrate our Queen! The joy, tears, hugs, and smiles filled the room as we stood beside her during such a powerful milestone.
The Exceptional Students Program Department was also honored to surprise Mrs. Robinson and her family with a sweet treat to show just how much she is loved and appreciated.
What a blessing to witness strength, faith, resilience, and victory all in one room!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures! Thank you for the love, strength, patience, and care you pour into others each and every day. Wishing you a beautiful day filled with joy, love, and appreciation from The Exceptional Students Program Department. 💕

Congratulations to Dr. Betty Bouyer, ESP Teacher at the Magnolia Pre-K Site, on being selected as the 2026 GET Teacher Hero Award recipient! Superintendent Kenneth Dyer, along with Pre-K Director Dr. Solomon and representatives from Grace Ed Technologies, joined in celebrating this well-deserved recognition honoring her outstanding dedication, leadership, and positive impact on students, families, and the Dougherty County community. DCSS is proud to celebrate one of our very own!

Special shoutout to Dr. Vakeshia Mays for showing appreciation to the amazing teachers and
paraprofessionals at Turner Elementary and Merry Acres Middle School! Thank you all for the love, dedication, and hard work you pour into our exceptional students each day. We appreciate you!