Semifinalists announced for Gaston County Teacher of the Year

Ten teachers in Gaston County Schools are one step closer to earning the school district’s most prestigious annual recognition.

The semifinalists for Gaston County Schools Teacher of the Year 2026-2027 have been announced.  They are (listed in alphabetical order):

• Erica Baird, Forestview High School
• Jennifer Gallagher, Highland School of Technology
• Noah Hartley, Hunter Huss High School
• Allison Lockridge, Rankin Elementary School 
• Jenna Markwith, Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
• Laura Robinson, North Gaston High School
• Clarissa Sanders, Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
• Shannon Stephens, McAdenville Elementary School
• Rovahnda Tate, Cramerton Middle School
• Harmoni Tomlin, Carr Elementary School

Last fall, each school selected a Teacher of the Year.  The school-level winners had an opportunity to submit an application for the district-level competition; ten semifinalists were chosen based on their application, which included their resume and responses to two essay questions.  The semifinalists also participate in an interview round.

In early March, five finalists will be named, and they will participate in the classroom observation round of the competition.  The winner will be announced during the Evening of Excellence awards ceremony on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Stuart W. Cramer High School.  All employees in Gaston County Schools and their guests are invited to attend the ceremony.

The current Gaston County Schools Teacher of the Year is John Ramos, a science teacher at Forestview High School.

Congratulations to our semifinalists for Gaston County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027!