Teacher of the Year Program » Teacher of the Year Program

Teacher of the Year Program

Top Five Finalists
2025 - 2026 Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year

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Jona Gaskin 

Westmont Elementary School 

Media Specialist 

Teaching experience -- 20 years 

 

Mrs. Gaskin is the media specialist at Westmont Elementary School. She is a Gifted and ESOL endorsed teacher who earned an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University. 
 
As a media specialist, Mrs. Gaskin is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships, promoting literacy, and creating a space where all students feel seen and empowered. Her technology-integrated lessons focus on creativity, digital literacy, and cyber principles, equipping students to be responsible and confident learners in both physical and digital worlds. 
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Tiffany Tanner 

Parkway Elementary School 

Music K-5 

Teaching experience -- 15 years

 

Ms. Tiffany Tanner is the music educator at Parkway Elementary, where she teaches music, chorus, and percussion ensemble. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Georgia College and State University, a Master's in Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and is pursuing her Specialist in Teaching and Learning at Georgia Southern University. 

 
Ms. Tanner aims to help students grow to be the best version of themselves. Her classroom is a positive environment where students discover their talents. She believes she is more than a music teacher and strives to incorporate cross-curriculum content to grow her students in all academic areas while supporting her fellow teachers. Her dynamic teaching inspires each child to be the best Wildcat they can be! 
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Kirsten Matthis 

Evans High School 

12th Grade ELA 

Teaching experience -- 11 years

 

Mrs. Matthis currently teaches 12th Grade British Literature, Advanced Placement Literature, and Advanced Placement Research at Evans High School. She is a two-time graduate of Augusta University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s in English and Secondary Education, and a Master’s degree in Education and Instruction with a Gifted and a P.B.I.S. Endorsement. 
 
Mrs. Matthis is a staunch believer in the importance of literacy and reading for people of all ages. She enjoys developing activities that initiate engagement and prior knowledge for students to find new interests and abilities in advanced reading. Mrs. Matthis is a product of Columbia County schools and loves being able to share advanced reading and writing skills with the students of today. 

 
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Nancy Morris 

Columbia Middle School 

6th, 7th, & 8th - Visual Arts 

Teaching experience -- 27 years 

 

Nancy Morris is an art educator at Columbia Middle School, teaching all grades. She earned a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades and Art Education from Augusta College, a Master’s in Instructional Technology from Troy State, and a Specialist’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Augusta State University. 

 
Her dedication has earned her nominations for Georgia Middle School Art Educator of the Year and Teacher of the Year for the second time. Through visual arts, Ms. Morris fosters creativity and critical thinking in her students, believing that art education can transform lives and promote personal growth and self-expression. 
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Lauren O'Neil 

Cedar Ridge Elementary 

3rd Grade ELA 

Teaching experience -- 16 years 

 

Mrs. Lauren O’Neil currently teaches 3rd-grade Language Arts at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. She is a four-time graduate of Augusta University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s in Instruction, a Specialist degree in Curriculum, and a Certification in Educational Leadership. She also holds endorsements in Reading, STEM, Dyslexia, ESOL, and Gifted Education. 
 
Throughout her 16 years of classroom experience, Mrs. O’Neil has developed a strong belief in the power of collaboration in the learning process. She believes that students gain a deeper understanding when working with others through hands-on activities and opportunities for self-expression. She strives to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment that inspires and encourages meaningful "Aha!" moments for all learners.