Meet The New County Teachers

Twenty-two new teachers joined Rockbridge County Public Schools for the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

“This year’s cohort of 22 new educators consists of 12 first-year educators and 10 who range in experience of two years to 26 years,” said Rick Bain, supervisor of human resources for Rockbridge County Schools.

“This cohort of educators represents universities from all over Virginia and as far west as Colorado. This is a very talented and driven group of educators, who we can’t wait to see grow and become part of the Rockbridge County community.”

Of those 22 new teachers, four will be working at Natural Bridge Elementary: Allison Gigante, special education; Madison Armstrong, first grade; Brianna Rogstad, kindergarten; and Brianna Cash, preschool.

Another two new teachers, Emilee Booze, fifth grade, and Kristen Floyd, special education, will be working at Central Elementary.

Mountain View Elementary welcomed Heather Mayes as its newest special education teacher, while Fairfield Elementary welcomed Erica Morris, who will be teaching fifth grade.

Nine new teachers joined Maury River Middle School’s staff: Daniel Taylor, special education; Jon Little, alternative education; Sylvia Powell, earth science; Brittany Alexander, special education; Melissa Wallace, sixth grade English; Emily Bergmann, special education; Sylvie Slusser, alternative education; Jaylen Clark, special education; and Leyna Hansley as a new school counselor.

Rockbridge County High School also received three new teachers: Gracyn Austin Darrington, algebra; Lily Hays, algebra 1; and Joshua Bowen, English.