Hannah Nash
Dare County Schools is proud to announce that Bruce Gemmill, a social studies teacher at First Flight Middle School, has been selected as the district’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.
Now in his 11th year of teaching, Gemmill began his career in Perquimans County before joining Dare County Schools in 2019. He is celebrated for his ability to bring history to life through humor, creativity and immersive lessons that spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning in his students.
“What sets Mr. Gemmill apart is not just his creativity and commitment, it’s his heart," said First Flight Middle School Principal Diane Childress. “He is a teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for his students and colleagues. He brings enthusiasm, innovation, and a spirit of adventure to everything he does, and he inspires those around him to do the same.”
Gemmill has been an active member of his school communities, serving in leadership roles on school improvement teams, club initiatives and district committees, helping to impact school culture and motivate students and teachers alike.
Describing the impact of his teaching style and enthusiasm, 2018 Northeast Regional Teacher of the Year and colleague Kaley Kiffner said, “Great teachers, like Mr. Gemmill, are never content to just teach content, and his peers take notice. From creative student-centered projects to whole-group authentic activities, his teaching methods stand out as he designs experiences that make learning meaningful and empower his colleagues to think outside of the box in their own classrooms.”
Gemmill also creates opportunities for students to connect classroom learning to the real world through travel. Over the course of his career, he has partnered with EF Tours to take students abroad, where they experience new cultures and visit historic sites such as Auschwitz and, most recently, Hiroshima. These profound experiences move history beyond the pages of a textbook, allowing students to feel the weight of the past and form a lasting, personal connection to the people and events they have studied in class.
Noting the significance of learning and having a deep understanding of history, Gemmill shared, “I find that people who have an appreciation for history are more active in their local communities, show a deeper respect for other cultures, and immerse themselves in civic duties, political movements, and global travels. All of that starts in my classroom.”
As Dare County Schools Teacher of the Year, Gemmill will now represent the district in the North Carolina Northeast Regional Teacher of the Year competition.
“Mr. Gemmill is truly legendary at First Flight Middle School for the way he brings history to life for his students,” said Dare County Schools Superintendent Steve Basnight. “Whether he is engaging them in hands-on activities, creating dynamic opportunities for active learning, or arriving in costume to transform a lesson into an experience, his students know he is fully invested in their success. Every day, Mr. Gemmill ensures his students feel seen, valued, and inspired—and that spirit is exactly what we celebrate in honoring him as Dare County Schools’ Teacher of the Year.”
The North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program promotes the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing outstanding teaching professionals who are implementing best practices in classrooms across the state.