Each month, we celebrate two outstanding educators who exemplify dedication, growth, and impact in our schools:
Beginning Teacher of the Month: Honoring a new educator who demonstrates exceptional promise, creativity, and commitment to student success.
Mentor of the Month: Celebrating a mentor who goes above and beyond to support, guide, and inspire beginning teachers.
These recognitions highlight the power of mentorship and the incredible contributions of our newest educators.
📝 Nominate a Colleague
Do you know a beginning teacher or mentor who deserves to be recognized? We invite you to submit a nomination!
How to Nominate:
Click the nomination button below.
Fill out the short form with your nominee’s name, school, and a brief description of why they deserve to be honored.
Submit your nomination each month.
Let’s celebrate the educators who make a difference every day!
Do you know an amazing beginning teacher, mentor, or school administrator? Does he or she go above and beyond, doing something that deserves recognition? Tell us about it here and your shoutout may be featured!
Click here to nominate an amazing teacher.
Beginning Teacher Shoutouts
Hidden Valley Elementary
A huge shout-out to Ms. Gastelu for her incredible dedication and heart! She is a true advocate for her students, always keeping the whole child in mind and ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
Ms. Gastelu goes above and beyond to build meaningful relationships and to understand the unique needs of her students. She also works tirelessly to collaborate with staff, bringing everyone together to do what’s best for kids.
We are so grateful for your passion, teamwork, and commitment, Ms. Gastelu. Keep shining....you’re making a powerful impact!
~ Akia Jackson
Hidden Valley Elementary
I want to give a huge shoutout to Ms. Thomas, a first-year teacher who is already making an incredible impact! She manages her classroom effortlessly, demonstrates strong leadership, and supports her team with confidence and skill. Even more impressive, she builds genuine, meaningful relationships with her students and their families!
I am so proud that Ms. Thomas is part of the Eagle Family her dedication and talent truly make a difference!
~Akia Jackson
Windsor Park Elementary
Shout-out to Brittany for her dedication to student success. She consistently goes above and beyond to support students and co-teachers, stepping in whenever needed. Her teamwork and commitment make a meaningful impact on our school community.
~ Haven Blanks
Thomasboro Academy
I would like to Shoutout Mr. Kennett for going above and beyond to ensure the middle school students of Thomasboro are successfull when it comes to academics, athletics (those who play) as well as having positive relationships with their peers. Mr. Kennett is in his 3rd year as a Beginning Teacher. It is hard to believe that Mr. Kennett is a Beginning Teacher because of the way he carries himself with building positive relationships with students, staff, families, and the community. We are waiting in anticipation of Mr. Kennett being a mentor for a Beginning Teacher next school year.
~ Doris Chisholm
Mentor Shoutouts
Thomasboro Academy
Ms. Hagood enjoys being a mentor to a Beginning Teacher. Ms. Hagood mentors two Beginning Teachers in Kindergarten. Ms. Hagood checks on her mentors daily. Ms. Hagood shares strategies that not only support their multilanguage learners but all of the students within their classes. Ms. Hagood has built a positive relationship with her mentees by staying positive, encouraging, and supportive of her mentees.
~ Doris Chsiholm
Southwest Middle
My next-door neighbor and my official mentor, I appreciate her more than she knows. She always keeps me updated on what’s going on, checks in to make sure I’ve seen the latest information, and just looks out for me in general. On top of all that, she brings me cakes, cookies, donuts — you name it. She is good for it, and I love her for it. Her kindness and generosity mean a lot, especially on the long days.
~ Chantell Gaither
School Leader Shoutouts
Crown Point Elementary
Mrs. Miller is an amazing MCL, mentor contact, and coach! She helps provide resources, model lessons, and strategically supports students.
~ Layla Stanley
Southwest Middle
I honestly can’t say enough about how wonderful she is. Her guidance in helping me understand the targets, read and break down the data, and plan lessons has been such a blessing. She makes herself available every single day during our planning period, and I don’t take that for granted. I am so grateful for everything she’s poured into me, and for the patience and clarity she brings to every conversation. She has truly helped me grow.
~ Chantell Gaither
Huge congratulations to Sean Bryant, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District's Beginning Teacher of the Year! We're so proud of the incredible impact you're already making in the classroom. Way to shine, Sean! ✨
Let's celebrate our Crown Academy 2025