Erica Baird, Forestview High School
Erica Baird is a social studies teacher at Forestview High School. Ms. Baird earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s degree at Albany Law School in New York. She teaches AP (Advanced Placement) Government and Politics, AP Comparative Government, and Civics Literacy and is the advisor for Forestview’s Teacher Cadet program. Coming from a background in law, Ms. Baird began her teaching career in Gaston County as an interim social studies teacher at Bessemer City High School in 2016. She believes that every student should be provided with a learning environment to support their development into civically-engaged citizens in their communities.

Noah Hartley, Hunter Huss High School
Noah Hartley is a visual arts teacher at Hunter Huss High School. Mr. Hartley earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and completed his residency license program at East Carolina University. He teaches beginner, intermediate, proficient, and advanced levels of art. Boasting summer artist residencies in Costa Rica and Iceland, Mr. Hartley began teaching art at Hunter Huss in 2020. He teaches students by meeting them where they are, knowing that students learn best when treated as individuals. Mr. Hartley believes that teenagers need meaningful, challenging, hands-on work to succeed in the arts and to discover their own voices.

Allison Lockridge, Ida Rankin Elementary School
Allison Lockridge is a fifth grade teacher at Ida Rankin Elementary School. Ms. Lockridge earned her bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and her master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University. In addition to teaching, she has served as a mentor for beginning teachers to support and encourage the next generation of educators. She began her teaching career in Lincolnton in 2006 before joining Gaston County Schools in 2018 as a teacher at Ida Rankin Elementary School. Ms. Lockridge believes that successful learning depends on strong partnerships between students, parents, and educators. She says students learn best when the content connects to their experiences.

Jenna Markwith, Hawks Nest Steam Academy
Jenna Markwith is a fifth grade science teacher at Hawks Nest STEAM Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and master’s degrees from National University and Appalachian State University. Beginning her teaching career in 2007, she has served as a classroom teacher and as the STEAM lead teacher at Stanley Middle School; she has been teaching at Hawks Next STEAM Academy since 2020. Ms. Markwith believes students learn best when they are actively engaged, encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and explore concepts through inquiry. In her classroom, she designs hands-on, student-centered learning experiences that connect to the real world.

Clarissa Sanders, Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
Clarissa Sanders is a fourth grade teacher at Pleasant Ridge Elementary School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University and her master’s degree from Winthrop University. Ms. Sanders has served as an educator in Gaston County Schools for 29 years, teaching at Rhyne Elementary School and Pleasant Ridge Elementary, where she has been a member of the staff since 2000. She believes in the phrase: “We are better together.” In order to improve learning, students must have a voice in the learning process. Ms. Sanders says that education empowers children to shape a better future for themselves and for their communities.