Congratulations to our 2025-26 Teacher of the Year finalists!

Throughout the day on Wednesday, April 8, we surprised the 10 finalists for 2025-26 WCPSS Teacher of the Year at their schools. 

Join us in congratulating the following educators on this significant achievement:

• Matin Maani, 7th grade social studies teacher, Apex Friendship Middle
• Sarah Kronenwetter, Chorus teacher, South Garner High
• Dr. Shana Barr, Music teacher, Swift Creek Elementary
• Claire Johnson, Kindergarten teacher, Washington Magnet Elementary
• Kristin Mares, 7th grade social studies teacher, Moore Square Magnet Middle
• Nicole D'Arcy, 6th grade math teacher, Wendell Magnet Middle
• Theresa Howard, 1st grade teacher, Barton Pond Elementary
• Emily Dunn, Cross categorical resource teacher, Hortons Creek Elementary
• Ahmed Benamrane, ESL teacher, Reedy Creek Elementary 
• Krista Dingess, 3rd grade teacher, A.B. Combs Magnet Elementary

Teacher of the Year candidates are nominated and elected by their peers at their individual schools. All nominees develop a portfolio to highlight their work and philosophy around teaching.

Selection committees review the portfolios to narrow the field. Scores from the portfolio are combined with observation scores to determine the ten finalists. The finalists then appear before an interview committee for the selection of the Teacher of the Year.

The winner will be named at a special celebration on May 20.