As Georgia's 2026 Teacher of the Year, Rachel Kinsaul is encouraging schools and districts across the state to engage students in meaningful service learning through a Day of Service initiative focused on community connection, real-world learning, and civic responsibility. 

The statewide Day of Service will be observed on March 18, 2026. Schools are encouraged to participate on that date or schedule their own service day, empowering districts to adapt the initiative to local needs.

"I believe that when thoughtful, committed students come together, they have the power to make a real change," Kinsaul said. "When they connect their learning to the needs of their community, their impact can be incredible."

"Rachel Kinsaul's Day of Service highlights how learning extends beyond the classroom," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "By engaging students in purposeful service, this initiative helps schools strengthen local partnerships while giving students meaningful opportunities to contribute, reflect, and take ownership of their learning. When students are given opportunities to serve their communities, learning takes on deeper meaning and students grow as learners, leaders, and citizens."

A model schools across Georgia can adapt

Schools and districts interested in launching a Day of Service are encouraged to start by identifying nonprofit organizations and community partners in their area, then determining which student group or grade level would be the best fit. Service projects can be embedded in the existing curriculum, so students see how classroom skills translate into real-world applications.

Examples of service activities include clearing trails at state or town parks, volunteering at food banks, walking dogs at animal shelters, playing games with nursing home residents, working in community gardens, writing letters to servicemembers, packing hygiene kits, or organizing donation drives. These activities can align with instructional standards across content areas, including healthcare, English language arts, marketing, and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education.

From an idea to a schoolwide movement

The idea for the initiative began in 2019, when Kinsaul – an agricultural science teacher at Morgan County High School – noticed many students had little to no community service experience while completing FFA Degree applications. This realization sparked the Sophomores Serve program at MCHS.

"I knew we had students all over our school who needed the chance to connect—not just to each other, but to their community," Kinsaul said.

With support from school leadership, the concept evolved into a coordinated, schoolwide effort focused on sophomore students. Over the past five years, Kinsaul has organized the event annually, averaging 260 sophomores, and coordinated with local nonprofits to secure service sites throughout the community. Students complete a preference form allowing them to choose where they serve—a strategy that builds ownership and enthusiasm for the experience. By giving students choice and the opportunity to serve alongside peers, the initiative fosters authentic engagement and meaningful participation.

Building community through service

Sophomores Serve not only encourages students to put others first but also reinforces the strong relationship between schools and the communities that support them.

"This day of service sends a clear message that our school values the work being done by so many people and organizations in our community," Kinsaul said. "We truly see ourselves as 'One Morgan.'"

The initiative aims to strengthen community relationships and foster a shared purpose, helping students and districts feel connected and proud of their contributions.

"Many of these projects can be embedded into the curriculum, so students see that the skills they're learning in class can be put into practice," Kinsaul said. "When students make those connections, learning becomes more meaningful—and so does service."

How districts can get involved

Schools and districts across Georgia can adapt the Day of Service model to meet local needs and community priorities. Schools and districts are encouraged to complete the Day of Service participation interest form to indicate their intent to participate and receive updates as resources become available. To support implementation, districts can access planning guides, sample projects, and coordination assistance on our dedicated Statewide Day of Service webpage.

Steps for schools and districts:

• Identify community partners: Reach out to nonprofit organizations, service agencies, and community groups to learn where support is needed.
• Select a focus group: Determine which grade level, course, or student group would be the best fit for a service-learning experience.
• Connect service to learning: Embed projects into existing curriculum so students can apply classroom skills in real-world settings.
• Offer student choice: Allow students to select service sites or project types to build engagement and ownership.
• Engage the community: Invite educators, families, and community volunteers to help coordinate and support service efforts.

By centering service on authentic community needs and student learning, districts can strengthen school-community relationships while helping students develop leadership, collaboration, and civic responsibility.