Dare County Schools Announces the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year

Dare County Schools proudly celebrates the 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year from across the district. Chosen by their peers, these exceptional educators stand out for their dedication, leadership, creativity in the classroom, and unwavering commitment to student success.

2025–2026 Teachers of the Year

• Cape Hatteras Elementary – Jordan Riggs
• Cape Hatteras Secondary – Nancy Roberson
• First Flight Elementary – Angela Joyner
• First Flight Middle – Bruce Gemmill
• First Flight High – Jennifer Kinnisten
• Kitty Hawk Elementary – Jordan Warner
• Manteo Elementary – Ted Gordon
• Manteo Middle – Dasha Sealock
• Manteo High – Chad Leary
• Nags Head Elementary – Lisa Watson

Dare County Schools Superintendent Steve Basnight congratulated this year’s cohort, stating, ”We are so fortunate to have such a large number of teachers in each of our buildings who consistently rise to this level of excellence. For this group to be recognized by their own peers as going above and beyond what is asked is a true testament to their dedication to their schools, their students, and their communities. I am honored to get to say, ‘Thank you for your willingness to professionally raise the bar each day and your shared commitment to work for the students in Dare County Schools!’”

A committee, consisting of former teachers of the year, licensed teachers and support staff from across the district, will conduct interviews with each school’s representative over the summer to select the Teacher of the Year for the entire district.

The chosen Teacher of the Year will be formally announced at Dare County Schools’ convocation in August and move on to represent the district at the regional level.

The mission of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program is to promote the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing outstanding teaching professionals who are implementing best practices in classrooms across North Carolina.