Schawanda Parks-Holston believes that a warm and nurturing classroom environment fosters academic achievement. Schawanda started her career in education at Griffin-Spalding County School System as a Paraprofessional in 2009. She has been teaching for four years at Cowan Road Middle School, located in Griffin, Georgia. Schawanda is a Department of Exceptional Students (DES) teacher and currently serves as the self-contained teacher for 6-8 grade Adaptive Curriculum scholars. And has gracefully taken on the role of Local Lead Teacher for the DES department in their time of need at Cowan Road Middle. She believes that all students can learn, grow, and become productive members of the community no matter their disability. While each child may learn in a different way and at a different pace, they all have the potential to be successful.

Schawanda received a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies from Grand Canyon University. She is currently working on her Master’s in Education at Grand Canyon University as well. She also is a foster parent who has adopted two young children and has volunteered at Panther's Concession stand for the past three years.