GCPS' competition for the district's top teacher is heating up! A district-level selection committee has narrowed the field of Teacher of the Year (TOTY) candidates for the state's largest and best school district. A group of 25 semifinalists has been selected from the list of 134 local TOTYs honored by their peers last month. The 25 honorees come from every level and a range of disciplines, and include veteran educators as well as teachers with just a few years in the classroom. Congratulations to these fine educators!
Kristen Carter of Archer High School, AP Physics Teacher (Grades 11 and 12)
Joe Frank Uriz of Baggett Elementary School, Spanish Teacher (Grades K-5)
Whitney Duncan of Bay Creek Middle School, Orchestra Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Nyana Genama of Britt Elementary School, 1st Grade Teacher
Jeane Sammons of Brookwood Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher
Jennifer W. Sevier of Dacula Middle School, Science Teacher (Grade 7)
Lindsey Brouillard of Discovery High School, Literature and Composition Teacher (Grade 9)
Jon-Paul Coutourier of Graves Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher
Erin Springthorpe of Gwinnett Online Campus, Chemistry Teacher (Grade 9)
Steve Kuninsky of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, AP Biology Teacher (Grade 10)
Trisha Connor of Harbins Elementary School, STEM Teacher (Grades K-5)
Kelly Mraz of Head Elementary School, Music Teacher (Grades K-5)
Stephanie Smith of Jenkins Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher
Trent Alexander of Lawrenceville Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher - Mathematics and Science
Suzanne Vogt of Meadowcreek Elementary School, Early Intervention Program Teacher - Reading and Mathematics (Grades K and 2)
Athena Roberts of Mulberry Elementary School, 3rd Grade Teacher
Alix McHardy of Norcross High School, AP Chemistry, Chemistry, and Biology Teacher (Grades 9-12)
John Rhilinger of North Gwinnett Middle School, Latin Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Shaketa Gillard of Partee Elementary School, Instructional Coach - Mathematics (Grades K-5)
Monica Peters Jones of Pharr Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher
Emily Heend of Phoenix High School, Mathematics Teacher (Grades 9-12) CK grades and classes
Deborah Talley Clinkscales of Puckett's Mill Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher
Felisha Strong of Richards Middle School, Reading Connections Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Dr. Myra Lynn McCurry of Walnut Grove Elementary School, Music Teacher (Grades K-5)
Janelle Draper of White Oak Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher
In the next step of the TOTY selection process, committee members will tap six finalists who will be surprised with special celebrations in their classrooms later this month. Learn more about the semifinalists online, and watch for news on the top six in just a few weeks.
GCPS appreciates the contributions of businesses in our community who have provided support for this event and our outstanding teachers, including:
- Platinum Sponsors – Balfour, Emtec, Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Horizon Software International (My Payment Plus), Lifetouch, Peach State Federal Credit Union, and VALIC
- Gold Sponsor– IBM
- Silver Sponsor– The Atlanta Coca-Cola Bottling Company, HMH, J Smith Lanier & Company, and Kroger
- Bronze Sponsor– Celia Brien, Classworks, Corporate Specialty Insignia, EyeMed, Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation, Mellon Global Securities, MetLife, and Pearson