Gwinnett County Public Schools announced on Tuesday that six teachers have been selected as finalists for the Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year title.
The finalists for the 2025 honor are Jenna Cloninger of Central Gwinnett High School, Michelle Ruhl of Sugar Hill Elementary School, Treva Coates of Osborne Middle School, Halie Rios of Paul Duke STEM High School, Heather Kane of Lovin Elementary School and Michael J. Payen of Five Forks Middle School.
A selection committee of GCPS educators narrowed a list of 141 educators down to just 25. The committee which includes former teachers of the year, local school administrators and central office staff will have the task of selecting the teacher of the year.
The selection committee will conduct in-person and virtual visits and conduct interviews with finalists.
The committee will look for original teaching methods, study the educator's teaching philosophy, consider the teacher's influence on the teaching practices of their colleagues and review any special class projects the teacher has initiated.
Based on their findings, members will select an elementary, middle and high school Teacher of the Year and a runner-up.
One of the three-level winners will be named the 2025 Teacher of the Year.
GCPS will host a celebration on Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. to honor this year's finalists and name the top teacher in Gwinnett County.
