South Fulton teacher's hands-on approach boosts student confidence

Tomanekka Irving's STEM-agriculture class at Oakley Elementary has become a popular draw for families.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Tomanekka Irving, a STEM-agriculture teacher at Oakley Elementary School in South Fulton, Georgia, has created a hands-on learning environment that blends science, agriculture, and real-world discovery. Her class has become so popular that families have moved into the district specifically to enroll their children, with the school's principal crediting Irving's approach for a 30% decrease in disciplinary issues over the past four years.

Why it matters

Irving's innovative teaching methods provide students, many of whom come from low-income families, with valuable hands-on learning experiences and life skills that can help boost their confidence and future prospects. Her focus on cultivating a caring, supportive environment has also had a positive impact on student behavior and engagement school-wide.

The details

In Irving's class, students engage in activities like gardening, beekeeping, and caring for chickens, learning through trial and error as much as through success. The class has become a draw for families, with the school's principal noting that some have moved to the district specifically to enroll their children. Irving's approach has also contributed to a 30% decrease in disciplinary issues at the school over the past four years, as students are eager to attend her class and learn.

  • Tomanekka Irving began her career in education, but left the classroom to become a flight attendant before realizing her true calling was back in the classroom.
  • Irving has been teaching at Oakley Elementary School in South Fulton, Georgia for the past four years.

The players

Tomanekka Irving

The STEM-agriculture teacher at Oakley Elementary School in South Fulton, Georgia, whose hands-on, engaging teaching methods have made her class a popular draw for families in the district.

Uche Ngoddy

The principal of Oakley Elementary School, who has credited Irving's approach for a 30% decrease in disciplinary issues at the school over the past four years.

Caleah Boyd

A 10-year-old student in Irving's agriculture class who enjoys going outside to pick plants and fruits for the community, as well as collecting eggs to give to people.

Kameron Christion

A student in Irving's class who says she makes him happy when he's mad or sad.

Chase Johnson

A student in Irving's class who says she really cares about the students.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody wants to be a part of her class at some point. She is a child whisperer. You don't deal with discipline in her class because the kids love to be here.”

— Uche Ngoddy, Principal, Oakley Elementary School (cbsnews.com)

“They're learning success, but they're also learning failure. We plant things and they don't grow. They're like, 'What happened?' So they're learning to keep going, keep persevering.”

— Tomanekka Irving, STEM-agriculture teacher (cbsnews.com)

“My favorite part about my agriculture class is going outside and picking plants and fruits for the community, and also getting eggs to give to people.”

— Caleah Boyd, 10-year-old student (cbsnews.com)

“She makes me happy when I'm mad or sad.”

— Kameron Christion, Student (cbsnews.com)

“She really actually cares about us.”

— Chase Johnson, Student (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Irving plans to continue expanding her hands-on agriculture and STEM curriculum at Oakley Elementary, with the goal of inspiring more students to pursue careers in these fields.

The takeaway

Tomanekka Irving's innovative, student-centered teaching approach at Oakley Elementary has not only boosted student engagement and confidence, but also had a positive impact on overall school discipline and behavior. Her success highlights the power of hands-on, real-world learning to transform the educational experience for underserved students.