Bibb County School District announced its 2026 Teacher of the Year and recognized dozens of educators and staff during the district convocation, naming Stuart Harding of Hutchings College and Career Academy as the district’s teacher of the year and Shereen Lewis of Sonny Carter Elementary School as runner-up.

Superintendent Dan Sims and convocation hosts presented an extended list of individual school teachers and finalists across grade bands and specialty roles. The district also named Monique Christian of Howard Middle School as the district’s 2026 Emerging Educator of the Year, an award the convocation describes as recognizing teachers who are pursuing professional certification while teaching.

The convocation listed school-level and district honorees including nominees and winners across elementary, middle and high schools. The program named finalists for district teacher of the year (including Aaron Allen, Bruce Elementary; Luciana Green, Central High; Aleazar Dan Hall, Howard High; and Stuart Harding of Hutchings), along with many school-level teachers of the year. The event also recognized media specialists, counselors, social workers and athletic directors for their contributions.

Outgoing district teacher of the year Sarah Mallet Burzo delivered an inspirational message that reflected on lessons learned while representing the district. “If you remember nothing else from today, remember this, your presence is powerful,” she said, urging staff to protect joy and build community in classrooms and schools.

The convocation was largely ceremonial and celebratory; awards were announced from the stage and no board votes or formal personnel actions were taken at the event. The recognitions included educators from across the district’s schools and programs and were presented alongside student performances and testimonials that illustrated the educators’ classroom impact.