CCS announces Teacher of the Year finalists
- Staff Reports
- Aug 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Teachers shape the lives of their students, set examples and serve as inspirations to students who aspire to be educators themselves one day.
That’s why, when it comes down to selecting the Outstanding Educators of Cleveland County Schools, it’s always a close race when nominating just one teacher from any given school, as Chad Terry, communications and digital media officer for Cleveland County Schools said in a statement to The Shelby Independent.
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“Our Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year finalists are much more than outstanding educators. They are mentors, role models, and leaders who inspire their students and strengthen our community,” Terry said. “Their dedication makes a lasting difference, and we are proud to celebrate all they contribute inside and outside the classroom.”
Cleveland County Schools announced their ‘outstanding educators’ for this year’s Teacher of the Year and Teacher Assistant of the Year, Tuesday.
Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify commitment and creativity, inspiring their students to carry a passion for learning into the future.
Lori Willis of Burns Middle School, Janie Hamrick of Shelby Middle School, Peter Strickland from Crest High School, Elizabeth Galloway at North Elementary School and Charles Ruff of Shelby High School, are all finalists this year.
Teacher Assistant of the Year finalists have been exceptional in bridging learning gaps, providing extra guidance and reinforcement. They've also made meaningful contributions to our school community.
Taylor Bowen of Grover Elementary School, Ismalys Falero from Township Three Elementary, Vickie Stamey of Washington Elementary School, Brandi Wilkinson of West Elementary School and Brenda Roberts of Shelby Middle School are all finalists for T.A. of the Year.
Teachers and teacher assistants of the year nominees, from all schools, will be honored at the Venue at Turkey Ridge on September 9th. The winners of both categories will also be announced at the event.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter for The Shelby Independent.
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