Surry County Schools is proud to announce that Jonathan Lancho-Villa, Multilingual Learner Specialist (ML) teacher at Pilot Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Piedmont Triad Region Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Lancho received the surprise of a lifetime at his school, where he was celebrated by a notable group of educators and supporters, including NC Teacher of the Year Rachel Candaso, 2025 Piedmont Triad Region Teacher of the Year Chanel Jones, 2024 Piedmont Triad Region Teacher of the Year Will Marrs, Dr. Tosha R. Diggs, Piedmont Triad Regional Director for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, his family, district administrators, and his entire school community.
“Thank you so much for this great honor. I know that God planned for me to be here and to teach in this community,” said Lancho. “I believe that language is a bridge, not a barrier. It helps us connect and understand each other. This award encourages me to share that belief. I look forward to working with other teachers and schools in the region. Together, we can help every child reach the potential God gave them and also thrive as leaders of tomorrow."
Jonathan’s journey in Surry County Schools reflects his commitment to education. He has served the district in many roles; first as a bus driver, then as a Migratory Education Program tutor, then as a substitute, and later as an ML teacher assistant, before becoming a full-time Multilingual Learner Specialist. In every role, he has demonstrated passion and a drive to help students succeed. This school year, he is supporting Pilot Elementary School, Mountain Park Elementary School, and Shoals Elementary School. He writes all of the English Language Development lesson plans for all 5th-grade ML students in Surry County Schools. He has also served as Title I Teacher Representative at the state level.
Known for bringing energy and positivity to every room he enters, Villa inspires students to do their best and encourages colleagues to grow. He is a true servant leader, and his impact extends far beyond the classroom. He assists with the Pilot Mountain Elementary GROW Strong team, serves on the Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad, participates in numerous Bible studies throughout the community, and leads a staff devotion every morning at 7:30 a.m. He also steps in as a substitute bus driver whenever schools need support.
“We are incredibly proud of Mr. Lancho and thrilled to see his outstanding work recognized as Regional Teacher of the Yea,” commented Martha Arrington, Principal at Pilot Mountain Elementary School. “His dedication to students, his innovative approach to teaching, and his unwavering commitment to our school community truly set him apart. This honor is a well-deserved reflection of the meaningful impact he has on our students each and every day.”
As the Piedmont Triad Region Teacher of the Year, Lancho will represent the region in the statewide North Carolina Teacher of the Year selection process and be one of nine finalists vying for the title. This award celebrates teachers who demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to their students and community.
“Mr. Lancho is a prime example of our Leadership Framework in action,” said Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Superintendent of Surry County Schools. “He leads with his whole heart and a commitment to every child he encounters. His journey in our district shows what is possible when an educator pours their whole self into our schools and community. Jonathan lifts others up, models what it means to serve, and embodies the core values we want our students and staff to see every day. We are incredibly proud of him and grateful to have him representing Surry County Schools.”
Surry County Schools congratulates Jonathan Lancho-Villa on this outstanding achievement and thanks him for all he does to make a difference in the lives of students every day.