North Gwinnett News

Six educators from Gwinnett County Public Schools have been named finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award. The finalists are Amber Melander, Katie Lessard, Abby Paul, Sharese Colbert, Nakaya Manning, and Mia Johnson.

The Gwinnett County Public Schools Teacher of the Year program aligns with state and national programs. The chosen educator will serve as district Teacher of the Year from July 2025 to June 2026 and will apply for the state title in fall 2025. A selection committee comprised of former teachers of the year, school administrators, and central office staff narrowed down an initial list of 141 local school Teachers of the Year to six finalists. The winner will be announced at a celebration on January 30.

Amber Melander is a K-5 Computer Science teacher at Patrick Elementary School with two decades in education. She emphasizes career readiness through collaborative lessons and equitable teaching practices. "In my classroom, all students feel challenged and heard through empathetic problem-solving relevant to their future careers while being immersed in equitable collaboration," Melander said.

Katie Lessard teaches fourth grade at Puckett’s Mill Elementary School and has been in education for 20 years. She values each child as a unique learner deserving safety and challenge. "I believe each and every child is viewed as a unique learner deserving to feel safe, valued, and challenged," she shared.

Abby Paul is a Physical Science teacher at Berkmar Middle School with four years in GCPS. Her approach focuses on learning impact and student self-view. "My foremost passion is learning...teachers should always be reflective in their practice," Paul explained.

Sharese Colbert teaches Reading Enrichment at Radloff Middle School with over two decades in education. She fosters reading curiosity among students while supporting teacher retention. "My growth as an educator is defined by a commitment to improving literacy," Colbert stated.

Nakaya Manning teaches Journalism I-IV among other subjects at Central Gwinnett High School with five years in GCPS experience. She aims to empower students as leaders using communication-centered curriculum strategies. "In my classroom, everyone is treated like a leader," Manning noted.

Mia Johnson teaches Algebra Concepts & Connections at Shiloh High School with three years in GCPS experience. She believes all students can excel in math given proper support and opportunities. "I believe all students can learn and excel in math with the right support," Johnson said.

The final decision will be made by a selection committee tasked with choosing one outstanding educator from these finalists who exemplifies excellence within Gwinnett County Public Schools.