Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools has named Katie Lessard as the 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made on January 30 at an event held at Gas South Convention Center, where all 141 local school Teachers of the Year were recognized alongside 25 semifinalists and six finalists. Principals, district staff, event sponsors, and other guests attended to honor the awardees.
Katie Lessard, a fourth-grade teacher at Puckett’s Mill Elementary School, was previously named GCPS Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She emerged as the winner from a group of six finalists representing different educational levels: elementary, middle, and high school. Abby Paul from Berkmar Middle School was awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year, while Nakaya Manning from Central Gwinnett High School received High School Teacher of the Year.
The selection process for Teacher of the Year begins with nominations at each school level. From these nominees, 25 semifinalists are chosen before narrowing down to six finalists. In addition to Lessard's achievement, other finalists included Amber Melander from Patrick Elementary School, Sharese Colbert from Radloff Middle School, and Mia Johnson from Shiloh High School.
Katie Lessard has been part of GCPS since 2017 and has over two decades in education. She holds degrees in Elementary Education and Teaching & Learning with a STEM Education concentration. Emphasizing individual learning needs in her classroom, she states: “I believe each and every child is viewed as a unique learner deserving to feel safe.” Her approach incorporates real-world connections through Project-Based Learning.
Abby Paul has been with GCPS since 2020 and emphasizes learning impact in her teaching philosophy: “My foremost passion is learning...teachers should always be reflective in their practice.” She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Biological Anthropology.
Nakaya Manning began her GCPS career as an English Language Arts teacher at Central Gwinnett High School. With various degrees including Educational Leadership, she aims to foster leadership skills among students: “In my classroom, everyone is treated like a leader.”
The awards ceremony was supported by sponsors such as Peach State Federal Credit Union and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.
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