The Cherokee County
School District seeks to
offer not only the best
education to every student,
but also to operate the best
school system and business
organization. Such success
would not be possible
without the dedicated
service of outstanding
educators, support staff,
partners and volunteers.
Annual recognition programs
celebrate the best of
the best, from teachers and
staff to parents and volunteers,
with support for the
events provided by generous
business and community
sponsors. You can
learn about all of the
annual awards, the winners
and finalists on the CCSD
website at https://www.
cherokeek12.net/Content2/
awards-recognitions
24 CLASS ACT | 2022-2023
Teacher of the Year:
Jon Gustin, Cherokee HS
“Am I just teaching
students the standards, or
am I teaching them to be
valuable participants in the
community?” is the question
CCSD Teacher of the
Year Jon Gustin poses to
the teachers he mentors.
For Mr. Gustin, his
constant mission is the
latter. The 13-year educator,
who teaches environmental
science classes
including the Advanced
Placement (AP) course at
Cherokee HS, has earned
the respect of his students,
their parents, his colleagues
and educators districtwide
through his dedication to
elevate learning beyond
expectations.
His instructional skill
led to his appointment to
assist the school district’s
Office of Curriculum &
Instruction in developing
argument-driven inquiry
lessons. These challenging
lessons hone critical thinking
skills and give students
the opportunity to lead in
their own learning.
“These investigations
really define who I am as a
teacher, by allowing students
to reach their true
potential,” said Mr. Gustin,
who now trains colleagues
in developing these lessons.
“I truly believe that by
having high expectations
and appropriate supports,
the students will always
rise to the occasion and
flourish.”
Mr. Gustin, who holds
bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in science education,
not only teaches
students in the classroom,
but he also leads them
through the environmental
action club, diversity club
and conversation club to
engage in their school and
community.
“He has been a key
factor in accelerating the
way we help students here
at CHS,” an administrator
shared. “He does not blink
when we have tough choices
to make, yet he is always
the first to give of his time
and lead by example. He is
one of the truest Warriors
among us.”
Counselor of the Year:
Kati Kong, River Ridge HS
School counselor Kati
Kong says, in many ways,
she sees herself as a Band-
Aid.
An experienced counselor
with a master’s degree
in her field, Ms. Kong for 16
years has helped hold
students together during
Best of the best-- of the year award recipients headline
Best of the Best
2022 CCSD Teacher of the Year Jon Gustin works with a student on an environmental science activity.
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