Dr. Rogers Discovered His Passion for Teaching as a Substitute Before Rising Through Houston County Schools
Houston County Superintendent Dr. Ricky Rogers knew at an early stage of his life that education, and specifically teaching, was his calling.
“I started off teaching Sunday school, and I loved that connection between teaching and the children,” Rogers said. “I loved it right away and felt like teaching was something I wanted to keep doing.”
Rogers had to make sure, so when he graduated from high school, he decided to try substitute teaching while attending college. He was able to teach at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and that’s when Rogers discovered his passion.
“That’s when I knew I wanted to teach,” he said.
After spending the early years of his teaching career outside the Houston County School District, Rogers and his wife made the move to Houston County to be closer to family in 2004.
Rogers spent three years teaching in Houston County before ascending to various positions within the school system over the next 20 years, including assistant principal, principal, director of human resources, assistant superintendent of school operations, deputy superintendent, and ultimately superintendent.
While working his way through the Houston County school system, Rogers also was busy in the classroom himself, earning master’s and bachelor’s degrees in middle grades education, a specialist degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in leadership.
Rogers was named Houston County’s Superintendent of Schools on June 1, 2025.
“If you would have told me back in 2004 that I would one day be superintendent, I’d have said you’re crazy,” Rogers said with a chuckle.
Life as Superintendent: Rogers Oversees 31,000 Students and 4,500 Employees
In his role as superintendent, Rogers is ultimately responsible for approximately 31,000 students in grades K-12, along with an estimated 4,500 full- and part-time employees system wide.
“We are the 11th largest school district in the state of Georgia,” Rogers said.
Rogers said that when he first learned that he would be named superintendent, he reflected on his past, especially his early days as a teacher.
“My philosophy was then, and still is today, to never forget what it was like to be in the position of a teacher,” he said.
Alongside his duties as superintendent, Rogers teaches an educational budget course to graduate students as an adjunct professor.
“That helps me maintain that teaching passion that I’ve always loved and to be able to mentor and coach other teacher leaders, and it makes sense with budget being a big part of my job as superintendent,” he said.
The current budget for the Houston County School District is $654 million. While that may be a daunting task to most, Rogers embraces the responsibility.
“Being in charge of the budget is very rewarding,” Rogers said.
Despite the fact that the buck literally stops with him, Rogers said he couldn’t succeed in the job without a strong culture of support.
“It is an honor to be the superintendent, and I am so humbled,” Rogers said. “But if I thought I was doing this myself, I wouldn’t do it. We have a phenomenal team that I rely on, and they are the best at what they do.”
Rogers Spent 6 Months Listening to Employees Before Taking Office
Rogers wanted to begin meeting with employees throughout the school system before he began his official duties as superintendent. He had about a six-month period from when the Board of Education approved him until he officially took office as superintendent. That gave hime the opportunity to meet with groups of employees from all areas within the school system, and it enabled him to simply listen and understand where improvements could be made.
After talking with groups of employees every day from November 2024 to June 2025, one thing became clear to Rogers.
“It was a blessing to be able to sit and talk with and just listen to everyone talk about ways they thought we could improve, and everyone felt that we had become so large that they were ready for a small-town superintendent,” Rogers said.
Rogers made his No. 1 goal all about improving relationships and raising morale. He empowered employees to work together in a more approachable and collaborative environment meant to nurture relationships.
“Let’s have each other’s back, let’s take care of each other, and let’s work together for the students and the staff of this district,” he said.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“Employees are telling me how much they like that I’m approachable, and that means a lot to them,” Rogers said. “It also means a lot to me too.
“I’m going to strengthen those relationships, and I’m going to change lives, and that is my commitment to this school district this year.”
Rogers’ 2nd Goal Is Innovation, Including New STEM Academy
The No. 2 goal for Rogers is innovation.
“We want to make sure we are preparing students for the challenges of this economy with the technology and changes, especially within Houston County,” he said. “We want to focus on relationships and partnerships with the businesses in our community.”
Rogers said the school system will be starting an Academy of Innovation, where the schools will partner with business leaders of Houston County and meet with them weekly.
“We are really excited about this,” Rogers said.
Looking ahead and preparing students for the rapid advancement in technology, Rogers said there are plans to open a Houston STEM Academy, which will include STEM classes, health care classes, and a STEM gym, where the school system will host robotics competitions.
“We will open in one year,” Rogers said. “This will be a game changer. We want to prepare students to be a part of the workforce here in Houston County.”
Progress Report: 1 Year Into the Job, Rogers Says He Couldn’t Imagine Doing Anything Else
Rogers has just completed his first year in the job of superintendent, and so far, so good. Rogers said he can’t imagine doing anything else.
“Education is in my blood,” he said.
Rogers said he’ll be able to literally see the effects of the job each year, as he was recently reminded.
“I have a friend who came by to take my picture recently,” Rogers said. “It was my one-year anniversary, and they’ll come by every year on my anniversary date to take my picture to see how this job changes me.”
Chances are pretty good Rogers will have a big smile on his face.
