Teacher Spotlight

Gunston Middle School proudly congratulates our own Chorus Teacher and Choral Director, Dr. Jesse Williams, for being named a quarterfinalist for the 2027 Grammy Music Educator Award. Dr. Williams is among 202 music educators nationwide selected from more than 2,100 nominations representing educators across 36 states. Presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum, the award recognizes educators who have made a lasting impact on music education and demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting music programs in schools. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Williams and grateful for the passion, talent, and dedication he brings to our students and school community each day.

Gunston Middle School is proud to celebrate 8th Grade World Geography teacher and Social Studies Lead Alex Valen for being selected as a member of the 2026 National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship cohort. Alex is one of only 36 educators across North America chosen for this prestigious professional learning opportunity, which recognizes educators who inspire students to become future global and environmental stewards. Through the fellowship, Alex will participate in immersive, field-based learning experiences aboard National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, traveling to destinations around the world to deepen geographic understanding and global awareness. The experiences and knowledge gained through this program will be brought back to Gunston classrooms to further inspire curiosity, exploration, and real-world learning for students.