2028 Teacher of the Year: Local educators honored as schools select Teachers of the Year
The first step of the district’s search for its 2028 Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Teacher of the Year (TOTY) is complete, and the local school Teachers of the Year have been designated as final selections in their schools.
"When you think about the teachers who changed your life, you think about educators like these. Our Local School Teachers of the Year go above and beyond every day to support, inspire, and empower students. We are proud to celebrate these exceptional educators and grateful for the passion, care, and commitment they bring to our schools and communities."Dr. Alexandra Estrella
Superintendent
The GCPS TOTY program is aligned with the state and national Teacher of the Year programs. The educator named district TOTY will officially serve from July 2027 – June 2028 and will apply to be the state TOTY in the fall of 2027.
The local school honorees will move into the next phase of the TOTY process as they are considered for the system-wide honor. In October, this group will be narrowed down to 25 semifinalists. Six finalists from that group will be chosen in November. On January 28, 2027, at 6:30 p.m., GCPS will host a banquet celebration honoring all local school teachers, naming this year’s level winners, and naming the top teacher in Gwinnett County.
Here’s an overview of the selection process:
- Step 1: All teachers at each participating GCPS school nominate and vote for their local school Teacher of the Year. A local school committee oversees this process.
- Step 2: All school-level Teacher of the Year applications are screened, with identifying information redacted, and 25 semifinalists for the county-level honor are selected by the Phase I Committee, which consists of teachers, central office personnel, and administrators.
- Step 3: The 25 semifinalists' applications are scored by the Phase II Committee, which selects six finalists.
- Step 4: The Phase II Committee conducts in-person and virtual visits and completes thorough interviews with each finalist. The committee examines effective teaching practices, studies each educator's teaching philosophy, considers the influence the teacher has had on colleagues' instructional practices, and reviews the teacher's impact on student engagement and achievement.
- Step 5: Based on the application review, site visits, and interviews, the Phase II Committee selects a Teacher of the Year for each level: elementary, middle, and high school. One of the three level winners is then named GCPS' 2028 Teacher of the Year.
GCPS’ 2028 Local School Teachers of the Year (TOTYs)
Alcova Elementary School, Manna Thomas, Special Education Significant Developmental Delay Teacher (Kindergarten)
Alford Elementary School, DeAndrea Bush, 4th Grade Teacher
Anderson-Livsey Elementary School, Lauren Harris, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 Teacher (Grades K-2)
Annistown Elementary School, William Fillinger, English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher (Grades K, 4, and 5)
Arcado Elementary School, Holly Brown, Mathematics and Science Teacher (Grade 5)
Archer High School, Deanne King, French Teacher (Grades 10-12)
Baggett Elementary School, Robin Colwell, Theatre Teacher (Grades Pre-K-5)
Baldwin Elementary School, Yesenia F. Gutierrez, Health and Physical Education Teacher (Grades K-5)
Bay Creek Middle School, Chelsea Moody, Mathematics Teacher (Grades 7)
Beaver Ridge Elementary School, Ana Navarro, 1st Grade Teacher
Benefield Elementary School, Christy Gray, Early Intervention Program Teacher (Grades K-5)
Berkeley Lake Elementary School, Candice Monts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 4)
Berkmar High School, Dr. Archie Deen, Geography Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Berkmar Middle School, Caston Jackson II, Computer Science Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Bethesda Elementary School, Dr. Danielle Dickey, Gifted Education Teacher (Grades K-5)
Britt Elementary School, Tia Clonts, Computer Science Teacher (Grades K-5)
Brookwood Elementary School, Dr. Leyah Nicometi, Mathematics Specials Teacher (Grades K-5)
Brookwood High School, Ginny Hanley, Advanced Placement Precalculus and Advancement Placement Calculus AB Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Buice Center, Justin Harrison, Science Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Burnette Elementary School, Kaleigh Hardee, Special Education Interrelated Resource—Language Arts and Mathematics Teacher (Grades 3-5)
Camp Creek Elementary School, Nyiesha Smalls, Special Education Significant Developmental Delay Teacher (Kindergarten)
Cedar Hill Elementary School, Cliff McGaughey, 4th Grade Teacher
Centerville Elementary School, Karissa Nicholson, 5th Grade Teacher
Central Gwinnett High School, Lonnie Davis, Dance Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Chattahoochee Elementary School, Jooyeon Yoo, Korean Teacher (Grades K-5)
Chesney Elementary School, Dr. Hyun Soon McGee, English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher (Grades 1, 2, and 4)
Coleman Middle School, Imani G. Akpuchukwu, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 8)
Collins Hill High School, Lindsay McCord, Language Arts Teacher (Grades 11)
Cooper Elementary School, Yolanda Robinson, Special Education Interrelated Resource Teacher (Grade 1)
Corley Elementary School, Amanda Rodriguez, 1st Grade Teacher
Couch Middle School, LaSheika Gourdine-Rolle, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 6)
Craig Elementary School, Madison Buckman, 5th Grade Teacher
Creekland Middle School, Dara Deans, Language Arts Teacher (Grades 8)
Crews Middle School, Eboni Jones, Reading Connections Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Dacula Elementary School, Hannah Williams, 1st Grade Teacher
Dacula High School, Carol Bowe, Honors, Gifted, and Sheltered Physics Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Dacula Middle School, Chenita Mumpfield, Business Education Teacher (Grade 6-8)
Discovery High School, Dr. Damarrio Holloway, Advanced Placement Statistics and Advanced Financial Algebra Teacher (Grade 12)
Duluth High School, Lisa McKay, Algebra and Accelerated Geometry Teacher (Grade 9)
Duluth Middle School, Anthony Baglio, Guitar Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Duncan Creek Elementary School, Dr. Jennifer Clark, Computer Science Teacher (Grades K-5)
Dyer Elementary School, Amy Zanardo, 3rd Grade Teacher
Ferguson Elementary School, Laderka Barron, 4th Grade Teacher
Five Forks Middle School, Robert Jones, Social Studies Teacher (Grade 7)
Fort Daniel Elementary School, Dr. Daniel Castillo, Music Teacher (Grades Pre-K-5)
Freeman’s Mill Elementary School, Michelle Kriete, English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher (Grades 2-3)
GIVE Center East, James O. Warner, III, Language Arts Teacher (Grades 9-10)
GIVE Center West, James Larkey, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 8)
Grace Snell Middle School, Kemaya Smith, Science Teacher (Grade 8)
Graves Elementary School, Melissa Davenport, Language Arts Teacher (Grades K-5)
Grayson Elementary School, Lisa Levengood, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Teacher (Grades K-5)
Grayson High School, Andre DeRamus, Music Industry and Music Technology Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Gwin Oaks Elementary School, Carolyn G. Johnston, Special Education Interrelated Resource—Language Arts and Mathematics Teacher (Grades 3 and 5)
Gwinnett Online Campus, Dr. Angel Parks, Health and Physical Education Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Dr. Rachel Manspeaker, Advanced Placement Statistics and Advanced Placement Calculus AB Teacher (Grades 10-12)
Harbins Elementary School, Jennifer Myles, Music Teacher (Grades K-5)
Harmony Elementary School, Kaitlyn Neher, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)
Harris Elementary School, Hunter Bagwell, 5th Grade Teacher
Head Elementary School, Quinesha Peppers, 3rd Grade Teacher (Grade 3)
Hopkins Elementary School, Dr. Marilyn Ramos Rios, Computer Science Teacher (Grades K-5)
Hull Middle School, Dionne C. Byrd, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 7)
International Transition Center, Aziza Kareem, U.S. History Teacher (Grades 9-11)
Ivy Creek Elementary School, Ashley Miranda, Dual Language Immersion—Mathematics, Science, and Spanish Literacy Teacher (Grade 2)
Jackson Elementary School, Teosha Teasley, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)
Jenkins Elementary School, Melinda Maney, Early Intervention Teacher (Grades K-5)
Jones Middle School, Hillary Jones, Chorus Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Jordan Middle School, Christian Sutton, Health and Physical Education Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Kanoheda Elementary School, Jerrica Morales, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 Teacher (Kindergarten)
Knight Elementary School, Floyee Gresham, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 5)
Lanier High School, Aqueelah Ahmad-Harris, Healthcare Science Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Lanier Middle School, Rebekah Spratlin, Science Teacher (Grade 7)
Lawrenceville Elementary School, Resheemah Pickering, Special Education Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Level Creek Elementary School, Ashley Mabe, Special Education Interrelated Resource Teacher (Grade 2)
Lilburn Elementary School, Jeff Dumler, Health and Physical Education Teacher (Grades K-5)
Lilburn Middle School, Brianca Noble, Gear Up Physical Science Teacher (Grade 8)
Lovin Elementary School, Amanda Dodd, Music Teacher (Grades Pre-K-5)
Magill Elementary School, Courtney Trent, Kindergarten Teacher
Mason Elementary School, Carrie Nicholson, Health and Physical Education Teacher (Grades K-5)
Maxwell High School of Technology, Lei Threeths, Graphic Design Teacher (Grades 10-12)
McClure Health Science High School, Cathleen Eckholm, Special Education Interrelated Resource—Mathematics Teacher (Grades 9-12)
McConnell Middle School, Alexis Pickett, Special Education Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Teacher (Grade 6-8)
McKendree Elementary School, Kaitlyn Frederick, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 5)
Meadowcreek Elementary School, Jennifer Cacsire-Guzman, 3rd Grade Teacher
Meadowcreek High School, Dr. Cindy L. Watts, Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Criminal Justice Essentials, and Applications of Law Teacher (Grade 9-12)
Mill Creek High School, Gina White, Special Education Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Minor Elementary School, Elizabeth Clark, English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher (Grades K-5)
Moore Middle School, Tamara Cox, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Mountain Park Elementary School, Rylie Wilson, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher (Grade Pre-K)
Mountain View High School, Veronica Cross, Engineering Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Mulberry Elementary School, Abasiaka Busali, Special Education Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Teacher (Grades K-2)
Murphy Middle School, Jason Miller, Social Studies Teacher (Grade 6)
Nesbit Elementary School, Shanyra Walker, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 3)
Norcross Elementary School, Wendy Wilmott, Special Education Interrelated Resource—Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Affective Study Skills Teacher (Grade 3)
Norcross High School, Julia Villalobos, Spanish, Advanced Placement Spanish, and Spanish IV Honors Teacher (Grades 9-12)
North Gwinnett High School, Abigail Myles, Honors Advanced Algebra and Advanced Placement Pre-Calculus Teacher (Grades 9-12)
North Gwinnett Middle School, Taylor W. Dodd, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 7)
North Metro Academy of Performing Arts, Brandon Gamon, Health and Physical Education Teacher (Grades K-5)
Norton Elementary School, Winsome Haldane, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 4)
Oakland Meadow School, Tracy S. Dankberg, Hospital/Homebound and Teleclass—Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Financial Algebra, Advanced Mathematical Decision-Making, and Gifted Health Teacher (Grades 3-12)
Osborne Middle School, Taylor Hall, Chorus Teacher (Grade 6-8)
Parkview High School, Mike Demarest, Advanced Placement Seminar and Advanced Placement Literature & Composition Teacher (Grades 10 and 12)
Parsons Elementary School, Que Mattox, Special Education Teacher (Grade Pre-K)
Partee Elementary School, Patrice Jones, Science and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 4)
Patrick Elementary School, Megan Jaramillo, Special Education Specific Learning Disability Teacher (Grades 2-3)
Paul Duke STEM High School, Francesca Bazzani, French Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Peachtree Elementary School, Daniela Osae, 5th Grade Teacher
Peachtree Ridge High School, Jessica Brace, Biology Teacher (Grade 9)
Pharr Elementary School, Nita Creekmore, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 5)
Phoenix High School, Missy Dishman, Science Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Pinckneyville Middle School, Hannah Weatherby, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 6)
Puckett’s Mill Elementary School, Susan Kersh, Special Education Interrelated Resource Teacher (Grade 2)
Radloff Middle School, Emma Martey, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 Teacher (Grade 6-8)
Richards Middle School, Dr. Heston McCranie, Orchestra Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Riverside Elementary School, Brittany Child, Kindergarten Teacher
Roberts Elementary School, Jennifer Weed, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 4)
Rock Springs Elementary School, Judith Lynn King, Music Teacher (Grades K-5)
Rockbridge Elementary School, Stephanie Irving, 2nd Teacher
Rosebud Elementary School, Alejandra Neyra, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Early Intervention Program Teacher (Grade 3)
Seckinger High School, Emille Williams, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 9)
Shiloh Elementary School, Evan Swain, 1st Grade Teacher
Shiloh High School, Gladys Gilmore, Advanced Placement U.S. History, International Baccalaureate History of the Americas, and U.S. History Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Shiloh Middle School, Synquawna Simms, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 8)
Simonton Elementary School, Jennifer Colclough, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)
Simpson Elementary School, Chadd Stern, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)
Snellville Middle School, Mellica Telemacque, Special Education Interrelated Resource— Language Arts Teacher (Grades 7)
South Gwinnett High School, Candace Spivey, Advanced Placement Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Advanced Placement Research, and Economics Teacher (Grades 11-12)
Starling Elementary School, Dr. Sakeena Cary, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 4)
Stripling Elementary School, Brezana Cross, Early Intervention Program—Mathematics and Reading Teacher
Sugar Hill Elementary School, Katie Hawkins, Early Intervention Program Teacher and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports Coach (Grades K-5)
Summerour Middle School, Dailen Harris, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 8)
Suwanee Elementary School, Julia Hernandez, 5th Grade Teacher
Sweetwater Middle School, Beth Eubank, Special Education Mild Intellectual Disabilities—Social Studies Teacher (Grade 6-8)
Sycamore Elementary School, Maria Hightower-Bobo, Language Arts Teacher (Grade 5)
Taylor Elementary School, Micheal Barron, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (Grade 5)
Trickum Middle School, Whitney Tinley, Orchestra Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Trip Elementary School, Reid Hawkins, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 Teacher (Grade K-1)
Twin Rivers Middle School, Erin Jenkins, Mathematics Teacher (Grades 6)
Walnut Grove Elementary School, Amanda Michelle Lovell, Early Intervention Program Teacher (Grades K-5)
White Oak Elementary School, Courtney Jean Pefinis, Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 Teacher (Grades 3-5)
Winn Holt Elementary School, Hannah Chan, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)
Woodward Mill Elementary School, Jennifer Jones, Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher (Grade 5)