Top of Their Game: Celebrating GMSD’s Teachers of the Year

This year, GMSD had an absolutely amazing group of nominees for Teacher of the Year (or TOYs, as we like to call them). Each of these outstanding educators represents the excellence that defines our schools. They were first selected as their school’s Building-Level Teacher of the Year before being considered for the district-wide honor:

• PreK-4:

  • Bonnie Lee, Riverdale

  • Julie McMinn, Farmington

  • Ashley Rotenberry, Forest Hill

  • Layla Zaravar, Dogwood

• Grades 5-8:

  • Samuel Andereck, Houston Middle

  • Jennifer Brenneman, Forest Hill

  • Joy Lustig, Farmington

  • Melanie Shuster, Riverdale

• Grades 9-12:

  • Shelli Henry, GOAL

  • Seulah Ku (Lee), Houston High

 

 

“We are incredibly proud of every teacher who was recognized as a Building-Level Teacher of the Year," said Elissa Stratton, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. "Their talent and impact are felt daily in their classrooms, and they represent the heart of GMSD.” She added with a smile, “It was a tough job for the Teacher of the Year Committee to choose among so many incredible educators—thank goodness the committee was made up of past TOYs, who know a thing or two about excellence!”

 

After much deliberation, the committee selected the following district-level winners:

Julie McMinn was named the GMSD Teacher of the Year for Grades PreK-4 for her outstanding ability to inspire students and foster a love of learning that lasts well beyond her classroom. With 38 years of teaching experience, Ms. McMinn is celebrated for her innovative approach to teaching math and science through personalized routines and creative strategies. Parents often highlight her dedication, saying, “Ms. McMinn has exceeded all expectations,” and sharing how she goes above and beyond to communicate and support families. Her principal, Ashley Brasfield, describes her as “the epitome of what a teacher should be—knowledgeable, passionate, and relentlessly dedicated to her students’ success.”

Beyond academics, Ms. McMinn is invested in the school’s character education initiatives, instilling values like kindness, responsibility, and respect in her students. Her leadership extends beyond her classroom as she contributes to school-wide programs, including a new behavior initiative that has transformed the culture of her school. All in all, she’s been described as a true team player and a mentor to many of her colleagues.

Seulah Ku (Lee) has been named the GMSD Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12. Known for her ability to adapt to challenges, Ms. Lee not only mastered teaching advanced math subjects like AP Precalculus, as well as Algebra II, Geometry, and Algebra I during the hybrid learning environment of COVID, but also created a nurturing classroom where students thrived. “Walking into her classroom feels like stepping into a space of both structure and encouragement,” shared one of her students, who praised her meticulous preparation and approachable teaching style.

Beyond her instructional excellence, Ms. Lee enhances school culture through initiatives like her peer tutoring program. This program connects advanced students with peers who need extra help, fostering collaboration, camaraderie, and academic success. With an incredible AP Precalculus class average score of 4.61—well above state and global benchmarks—and countless testimonials from students calling her “the best teacher in the country,” Ms. Lee embodies the heart and soul of teaching excellence.

Samuel Andereck has been named the GMSD Teacher of the Year for Grades 5-8, reflecting his exceptional ability to make history come alive for his students. Known for his dynamic and engaging teaching style, Mr. Andereck helps his students master foundational concepts while developing critical thinking skills. Through project-based learning activities like creating a Medieval Manor complete with governments and trade systems, he challenges students to apply their knowledge in creative, real-world scenarios. “Their passion and depth of discussion show they’re not just memorizing facts—they’re learning to connect history to the present,” he explained.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Andereck has helped to transform culture at Houston Middle through his leadership in the Mustang House System, inspired by the Ron Clark Academy. By fostering a sense of community and friendly competition, the program has strengthened both peer-to-peer and student-staff relationships. And his teaching doesn’t stop at the bell—he also leads the school’s Travel Abroad Program, offering students opportunities to explore the world and deepen their understanding of history and culture.