The Gulfport School District Board of Trustees recognized exceptional educators across the district during its May board meeting, honoring each school’s Teacher of the Year, Assistant Teacher of the Year, and Novice Teacher of the Year, along with district-level award recipients.
These individuals were selected by their peers and administrators for their dedication to student success, instructional excellence, and commitment to the profession. Their impact is seen daily in classrooms across the district, where they inspire, support, and lead Gulfport students.
2025–2026 Teachers of the Year
Anniston Avenue Elementary – Angela Copponi
Bayou View Elementary – Alicia Bunting
Central Elementary – Sara Williams
Pass Road Elementary – Marlee Parker
West Elementary – Bonnie Hoeg
Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary – Carley Duet
Bayou View Middle – Pam Kitch
Gulfport Central Middle – Michelle Kintner
Gulfport High School – Angela Estrada
Gulfport High School – Kevin Helms
The Learning Center – Angela Lang
District Teachers of the Year: Carley Duet, Angela Estrada
Assistant Teachers of the Year
Anniston Avenue Elementary – Sydney Lacoste Allen
Bayou View Elementary – Angie Groves
Central Elementary – Jennifer West
Pass Road Elementary – Jammie Parnell
West Elementary – Joyce Ward
Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary – Trista Holland
Bayou View Middle – Denise Dunlap
Gulfport Central Middle – Joshua Green
Gulfport High School – Donevin Esterhuizen
District Assistant Teachers of the Year: Christy Nettles, Zechariah Boykin
Novice Teachers of the Year
Anniston Avenue Elementary – Kylee Thomas
Bayou View Elementary – Tabitha Speed
Central Elementary – Savanah Crenshaw
Pass Road Elementary – Reyah Ashford
West Elementary – Jakerria Hall
Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary – Mary Carolyn Jones
Gulfport High School – Thicat Vu
The Gulfport School District Board of Trustees commends these educators for their continued dedication to excellence and their positive influence on students, schools, and the Gulfport community. To view photos from the presentation, visit the Gulfport School District’s Facebook page.