Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton, GA  – The Board of Trustees of the Dalton Education Foundation proudly announced Molly Carlson as the 2024 Tom Jones Educator of the Year during halftime at the Dalton High School Catamount Football game on August 16. The award, a prestigious recognition within the Dalton Public Schools system, was presented by Trish Bethel and Cathy Rauschenberg, daughters of the late Tom Jones, along with family members Bob Bethel and Charlie Bethel, grandsons of Mr. Jones.

Tom Jones, a longtime chairman of the Dalton Board of Education, was a tireless supporter of public education in the community. Following his passing, the Dalton Education Foundation established the Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award to honor and reward outstanding educators who exemplify excellence and dedication in Dalton Public Schools.

Molly Carlson, this year’s recipient, has dedicated 31 years to education, with 24 of those years spent serving Dalton Public Schools. Carlson currently serves as the District Coordinator for Gifted Education, where she works with the C3 Center, Advanced Placement Programs, and the International Baccalaureate Program. Prior to this role, she was a half-time gifted teacher at Westwood Elementary School and the gifted program coordinator.

Carlson expressed her deep passion for teaching, stating, “I have lived a thousand lives...because I read.” She continued, “If I replace ‘read’ with ‘teach,’ I believe it perfectly describes how I feel about being an educator. I consider myself extremely lucky to have found a job that is as challenging as it is rewarding.”

Throughout her career, Carlson has impacted countless students, crafting learning experiences that are both engaging and rigorous. She is known for her enthusiasm in the classroom, often celebrating her students' successes with an infectious energy. “I’m known to shout out, ‘You’ve got it! It’s ALL CONNECTED!’ when a student makes a connection across mathematical disciplines,” Carlson shared.