LCPS Celebrates the Best of Our Classrooms with 2026 Teacher of the Year Finalists
Back Row (L-R): Zachary Pierce/Lenoir County Early College, Jemmeta Nesbeth/Rochelle Middle School, Brenda Carol Grady/Southwood Elementary, Breanna Tyndall/Pink Hill Elementary, Nadine Gordan/Kinston High School, Cynthia Jarman/Lenoir County Learning Academy, Samantha Hawkins/Frink Middle School, Kristina Jones/Moss Hill Elementary
Front Row (L-R): Latoya Phillips/Southeast Elementary, Gloria Finch/Northeast Elementary, James Lewis/North Lenoir High School (Finalist), Ashley Turnage/South Lenoir High School, Angela Jarman/Banks Elementary (Finalist), Marla Ham/Northwest Elementary, Mari Turner/Woodington Middle School (Finalist), Kaci Turner/Contentnea Savannah, Kelly Sears/La Grange Elementary
Excellence in education begins with passionate teachers who inspire, challenge and support their students each day. Lenoir County Public Schools is proud to spotlight three educators who exemplify that mission as finalists for the 2026 LCPS Teacher of the Year, selected from 17 exceptional Teachers of the Year representing schools across the district.
The 2026 finalists are James Lewis of North Lenoir High School, Angela Jarman of Banks Elementary School and Mari Turner of Woodington Middle School. Each finalist was first selected as their school’s Teacher of the Year before advancing through the district-level selection process.
“Our Teacher of the Year candidates represent truly outstanding educators in Lenoir County Public Schools,” said Jennifer Sutton, Human Resources Coordinator. “They certainly made our task very difficult, as we had to narrow the selection down to three finalists. We are so fortunate to have these exceptional teachers serving the children of Lenoir County. Each of them is full of compassion and care for our students and teaches their curriculum areas with remarkable expertise and dedication. We are incredibly proud of all of them and grateful for the impact they make each day in our schools.”
Superintendent Brent Williams said the finalists represent the high-quality instruction and student-focused culture found across LCPS.
“These educators reflect the heart of our district and the difference that great teaching makes in the lives of our students,” Williams said. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication, creativity and care they bring to their classrooms each day. They are outstanding representatives of the excellence happening in schools throughout LCPS.”
The LCPS Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in instruction, foster meaningful relationships with students and families and serve as leaders within their school communities. The selection process highlights teachers who go above and beyond to create engaging learning environments and support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
While three educators were selected as finalists, LCPS also celebrates the 14 additional school-level Teachers of the Year who represent the very best of their schools. Being chosen by peers and administrators as a school’s Teacher of the Year reflects an exceptional commitment to students, colleagues and the teaching profession. These educators play a vital role in shaping positive school cultures and advancing academic achievement across the district.
The LCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced later this year. The selected teacher will go on to represent Lenoir County Public Schools at the regional level and will serve as an ambassador for the district and the teaching profession.
Lenoir County Public Schools congratulates all 17 Teachers of the Year and thanks them for the passion, innovation and dedication they bring to students and families every day.