April Teal-Phagan has been an educator for twenty-three years. After graduating from Mercer University in 1998, she began teaching fourth grade at Upson-Lee North Elementary School in Thomaston, Georgia. She earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Georgia College and served as an Instructional Technologist and first grade teacher at Upson-Lee South Elementary School for five years. She was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award as a first grade teacher in 2002. April began teaching first grade at Pike County Primary School in 2006. She was the Teacher of the Year for Pike Primary School and District Teacher of the Year for Pike County School System in 2008. She was the recipient of multiple Southern Rivers Bright Ideas grants as a classroom teacher. She earned a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus College as well as both the coaching and reading endorsements. After teaching first and second grades, she moved to the position of Instructional Coach at Pike Primary School. She became Assistant Principal of Pike County Primary in 2016 and Principal in 2019. 

As an educator in Pike County, April has shown a passion for students and teachers and has always worked to help others succeed. Through a district partnership with The Center for Authentic Intellectual Work, she has become a certified coach to aid teachers as they participate in professional development. This work allows teachers to work collaboratively to make learning a more meaningful experience for all children.

April is married to Rodney Phagan, and they have two sons, Jess and Jacob. Jess is a PE teacher at Shiver School and football coach at Cairo High School in Cairo, Georgia. Jacob works for Goodman Grading in Pike County. April and Rodney live in Meansville and enjoy traveling and spending time on the lake.