GWINNETT—Gwinnett Technical College has announced that Tracey Duck, Psychology Program Director, has been named the 2026 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, one of the highest honors awarded by the Technical College System of Georgia.
Duck, whose career has been shaped by a passion for teaching and the science of human behavior, views instruction as integral to her field. She noted that the American Psychological Association has a division dedicated to promoting excellence in the teaching of psychology, which reinforces that teaching is considered part of the psychology industry. She explained that by helping students strengthen their learning skills, sharpen critical thinking, understand human behavior, and recognize social influences, she applies psychological science in her teaching every day.
Duck’s instructional approach encourages students to embrace personal growth and challenge themselves. One ongoing project asks students to try a completely new experience, such as attending a cultural festival, participating in an outdoor activity, or visiting a place of faith different from their own. Her goal is for students to discover how valuable learning can be when they step outside their comfort zones.
“Of course, I want them to love psychology, but that is not going to happen for everyone,” Duck said. “I do hope they see the value that an understanding of human behavior brings to their training, regardless of what career field they are preparing to enter. Getting out of their comfort zone is where they learn and grow, and it is that kind of insight that I hope they take with them for years ahead.”
Duck emphasized that receiving the award reflects the excellence of the entire Gwinnett Tech faculty. “I am honored to earn this award, but I truly do not see this as just about me. One of the things I love about Gwinnett Tech is that we have an absolutely top-notch team of faculty, and I am privileged to represent that group in 2026. The people I work with are extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields, hard-working and dedicated, and resilient. But most of all, our faculty truly care about our students and helping them succeed. I have worked at other higher education institutions, and I know we have something really incredible here.”
Duck holds a Master of Science in Psychology from Florida State University and resides in Bethlehem, Georgia.
The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction was established in 1991 and recognizes outstanding technical college instructors across Georgia. The award honors educators who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation, leadership, and commitment to student success.
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About Gwinnett Tech: Gwinnett Technical College is Georgia’s largest technical college, committed to producing workforce-ready graduates to meet the needs of its community’s high-demand business and industry sectors. The college offers more than 160 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, as well as hundreds of seminars, workshops, and courses that provide specialized training. Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County’s largest corporate training provider, serving residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Gwinnett Technical College may also offer credentials, such as certificates and diplomas, at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Gwinnett Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.