Phone: 704-866-6096
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
‣B.S. - Interdisciplinary Studies - Elementary Education Concentration (PK-6) Virginia State University ‣M.A. Educational Leadership (K-12) Wingate University ‣Gaston County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year 2021-2022
Ms. Bridgette Best
Bridgette Best was named principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary in the summer of 2022. Ms. Best, a native North Carolinian, graduated from Virginia State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education (Pre-K-6). She later attended Wingate University where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (K-12).
Ms. Best’s career began in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where she spent a number of years as an elementary and middle school educator. During the 2014-2015 school year, she was awarded Teacher of the Year for her local school and later became Teacher of the Year for the Northeast Learning Community, which positioned her as a Teacher of the Year Finalist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Upon entering Gaston County Schools, Ms. Best worked in the roles of Instructional Facilitator and Assistant Principal at Woodhill Elementary School. She later began as an Assistant Principal at Pleasant Ridge Elementary in August 2019. In addition, she served as Gaston County Schools’ 2020-2021 Assistant Principal of the Year. During the 2021-2022 school year, Ms. Best was nominated and selected to participate in the AP Accelerator Program, a professional development opportunity offered by the state to prepare Assistant Principals in North Carolina for future leadership experiences.
Ms. Best’s daily goal is to encourage and motivate students and teachers to desire and strive for excellence regardless of circumstances. She believes and is proof that all students can learn and is thankful for every opportunity provided to promote student and professional growth.