Meet the Teacher Advisory Council: Dr. Peggy Rein of Indian Knoll ES!

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community.  You can learn more about the Council and see the full list of its members online here.

Dr. Peggy Rein of Indian Knoll Elementary School

A 16-year educator, Dr. Peggy Rein teaches fourth-grade English language arts at Indian Knoll Elementary School. She began her career in Fulton County Public Schools and, after staying home for seven years to raise her daughters, joined CCSD as a first-grade teacher. "When my youngest started kindergarten at Indian Knoll, it felt like a full-circle moment — that same day was my first day back in the classroom, also at Indian Knoll."

What inspired you to become a teacher?
A lot of my teachers influenced my decision to become an educator. I was a very shy kid and often tried to stay under the radar, usually with my nose buried in a book. My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. DeVita, was the first person who really noticed that and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. Her passion for teaching made a lasting impression on me. Now, I hope to do the same for my students, because I truly believe that every teacher is inspired by a teacher who once believed in them.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding part of being a teacher for me is the relationships I get to build with my students. When you truly understand and connect with them, that’s when real learning and growth happen. Through those connections, I get to witness not only academic and social growth, but also the long‑term impact of our work. Seeing your students grow up and become productive, successful members of society is incredibly meaningful… it’s rare to find a profession where you can truly see how your work shapes lives over time.

How do you elevate the excellence in your classroom?
I elevate excellence in my classroom by creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I focus on building a positive, motivating space where students clearly understand what they’re learning, set realistic goals, and take ownership of the steps needed to achieve them. When students feel supported and accountable for their learning, that’s when genuine growth and intrinsic motivation really begin to take shape.