News Summary
The Richmond County School System has announced six finalists for the Teacher of the Year award, increasing the number of honorees to recognize the exceptional dedication of educators. The finalists showcase remarkable contributions to education in the district, reflecting teaching excellence and commitment. A Teacher of the Year Banquet will be held to honor all school-level awardees. This year’s event reinforces the vital role teachers play in shaping students’ futures in Richmond County.
Augusta – The Richmond County School System has unveiled the finalists for the prestigious 2026 Teacher of the Year award, increasing the number of honorees from five to six this year due to a competitive selection process. This announcement recognizes the outstanding contributions and dedication of educators in the district.
Dr. Melissa Shepard, the chief human resources officer for the Richmond County School System, emphasized the high quality of education and the commitment displayed by these exceptional teachers. The six finalists represent the pinnacle of teaching excellence within the Richmond County educational community.
To honor all 54 school-level Teachers of the Year, including the six finalists, the Richmond County School System will host an annual Teacher of the Year Banquet. Scheduled for September 18 at 7 p.m., the event will take place at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center, celebrating the dedication of teachers throughout the district.
Meet the Finalists
Audrey Crosby
A veteran educator with 20 years of experience, Audrey Crosby currently teaches art at Jenkins-White Elementary School. Previously, she taught at T.W. Josey High School from 2005 to 2014 before returning to the Richmond County School System in 2023. Crosby serves as the art department chair and a mentor to other teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tennessee State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Augusta State University.
Latonya Jackson
Latonya Jackson has 19 years of teaching experience, teaching AP mathematics and computer science at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. After spending nine years with the Richmond County School System and working at Cross Creek High School from 2007 to 2011, she joined Davidson in 2021. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Paine College, a Master of Arts in teaching from Augusta State University, and an Educational Specialist in curriculum and instruction from Columbus State University.
Chef Kanesha Roberts
With a decade of experience in education, Chef Kanesha Roberts teaches culinary arts at George P. Butler High School. Before joining the Richmond County School System, she spent six years teaching at Jefferson County High School. An Army veteran, Roberts served as a culinary specialist. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu.
LaShanda Mills
LaShanda Mills has taught for 13 years, currently teaching third-grade English language arts at Richmond Hill Elementary School. She began her career as a paraprofessional at A. Brian Merry Elementary School in 2012. Mills also serves as the teacher in residence for ELA in grades K–3 and holds the position of third-grade chair. She completed her Bachelor of Science in general studies and a Master of Arts in elementary education from Brenau University, and she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in elementary education.
Kristina Istre
With 31 years of teaching under her belt, Kristina Istre has devoted 28 years to the Richmond County School System, teaching seventh-grade life science at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. She is the seventh-grade chair, coordinating multiple student competitions, and serves as the current executive director of the Georgia Science Teachers Association. Istre has a Bachelor of Science in education from Indiana University and is pursuing a master’s degree in creative arts in education from Lesley University.
Andrie McFadden
Andrie McFadden teaches welding at the Marion E. Barnes Career Center and brings 11 years of teaching experience to the role, with seven years spent at the Richmond County School System. He previously taught welding in South Carolina. McFadden holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and leadership from Capella University and a Master of Arts in career and technical education from Ball State University.
This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, showcasing the impactful role that educators play in shaping the lives of students in the Richmond County community.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Richmond County Schools Announce 2026 Teacher of the Year Finalists
- News Center Maine: Maine Teacher of the Year 2026 Announced
- WJBF: Richmond County Schools Names Finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year
- Wikipedia: Teacher of the Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
