On Monday, Feb. 24, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan, senior leaders, and Board of Education Chairman Rev. Jimmy H. Bention, Sr. surprised five outstanding teachers with big news—they were named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year finalists. The team ensured the educators felt celebrated with balloons, signs and tons of enthusiasm on hand.
The surprises began as the team traveled from school to school, stepping into classrooms with cheers and applause. The teachers, caught completely off guard, were met with smiling faces and warm congratulations. Some stood in stunned silence, while others laughed joyfully at the unexpected honor. In one classroom, students, seeing the balloons and excitement, thought it was their teacher’s birthday and eagerly began singing “Happy Birthday” before realizing the celebration was for something else.
"I am consistently impressed by our UCPS teachers, and these individuals are no exception," said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan. "It is a privilege to witness and celebrate the impact they have on our students and I am grateful for their service."
As the day unfolded, the finalists shared their reactions.
Kimberly Spencer from Sandy Ridge Elementary said, "It feels like my life's work has just really come together so beautifully. I'm so honored," she added, "The children is what it’s all about. The love they bring me and the love we have every day."
Elizabeth Miles from Waxhaw Elementary expressed, "It feels awesome to know that I’m being honored in this way. It’s so cool to celebrate it with my first graders." She shared, with a smile, "I didn’t expect this at all. I love getting my students to think about how to protect our planet. Sustainable energy—that’s what this is all about!"
Jodi Chaffin from Parkwood High reflected on the recognition, saying, "I’m so honored and really surprised. This is only my fourth-year teaching, so it’s such a huge honor to be recognized as a top-five finalist." She also commented on the supportive community: "I just love our students and staff. Everyone’s very supportive, and it’s great to work with all the kids and help them learn math."
April Little from Shiloh Valley Elementary shared her pride, saying, "I am just proud to represent Union County Public Schools. I look forward to the next phase of the competition." She highlighted her teaching philosophy: "We’re educating the whole child and preparing them to be globally ready. We’re part of that, educating lifelong learners."
Dylan Chavis from Porter Ridge High was overwhelmed, stating, "I truly don’t even know what to say right now. It’s such an honor. I’m a graduate of Union County, so it feels poetic to be here." Reflecting on his journey, he said, "I love giving back to the community that gave so much to me. It’s a privilege to be here and make a difference."
The finalists were selected from 53 school-based Teacher of the Year winners. The winner will be announced during an awards program May 8.
Get to know the Teacher of the Year finalists a bit more:
April Little
April Little is an AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) learner teacher at Shiloh Valley Elementary. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and Wingate University, she has been teaching since 2003. Her core belief is that all students should be held to high expectations and allowed to discover their individual gifts. As she often says, "All students have differing abilities, but all students also have a genius inside of them."
Dylan Chavis
Dylan Chavis is a social studies teacher at Porter Ridge High. A graduate of Porter Ridge High and the University of North Carolina Wilmington, he has been teaching since 2020. His core beliefs revolve around creating a student-focused learning environment where each student can connect course content and skills to their lives. "On day one, I emphasize the growth mindset, as it encourages both my students and me to use mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow."
Elizabeth Miles
Elizabeth Miles is a sustainable energy teacher at Waxhaw Elementary. A graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and the North Carolina State University, she has been teaching since 2005. Her core belief is that education should inspire curiosity, resilience and creativity, helping students make meaningful connections between what they learn and the world while empowering them to become leaders and problem-solvers for a sustainable future. “When learning is joyful, it’s not just effective—it’s unforgettable.”
Jodi Chaffin
Jodi Chaffin is a math teacher at Parkwood High. A graduate of Piedmont High, Wingate University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte, she has been teaching since 2017. Her core belief is that education should equip students with essential academic skills while building critical thinking and real-world problem-solving abilities. "Knowing how to read, write and do basic arithmetic is a must for student success academically, personally and professionally."
Kimberly Spencer
Kimberly Spencer is a second-grade teacher at Sandy Ridge Elementary. A graduate of Stonehill College and Lesley University, she has been teaching since 1994. Her core belief is that all children have innate potential, and with the right support, they can become self-motivated, creative and future-ready leaders. "Every child has the power to succeed—our job is to help them discover and nurture that power."
02/24/2025
