Gaston County Schools is the public school system serving Gastonia, North Carolina and surrounding communities. Our location is in a metropolitan region with plenty of activities and amenities for young professionals and families. We are among the ten largest school districts in the state with more than 3,800 employees and approximately 31,500 students. Our neighborhood schools, which provide comprehensive education programs and many outstanding opportunities for students, are a great source of community pride. Here in Gaston County, we are located 200 miles from major beaches and 100 miles from the mountains. We are home to Crowders Mountain State Park and other attractions. Being just 15 minutes from Charlotte, we are close to city life, but without the hassle.

Any teacher who is new to North Carolina with less than 3 years of public school teaching experience will participate in a three-year induction process known as the Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSP). This program is designed to provide direction, support, and feedback during the first years in the classroom so that experiences are positive and focused on the knowledge, skills, and qualities associated with effective teaching. The Teacher Induction Program for Success (TIPS) is part of the Beginning Teacher Support Program in Gaston County Schools and is designed to get our teachers off to a great start. Other BTSP initiatives include a three-day orientation, mentor support program, observations, and optimum working conditions.

Gaston County Schools pay teachers on the North Carolina teacher salary schedule in addition to receiving a local supplement. Employee benefits include: paid holidays, annual leave, sick leave, extended sick leave and personal leave for classroom teachers, state retirement and disability, health insurance plus other optional benefits which include vision, dental, a $5000 life insurance policy, flexible benefits, Employee Assistance Program and a YMCA discount.

Gaston County Schools is offering 20 school choice/magnet school programs—the most we have ever provided for students and parents. 

That means more options, more choices and more dynamic learning opportunities for discovery, growth and success that you will not find anywhere else.

Many of our school choice programs are associated with our Academy concept. Academy programs are available in the following six areas: Career, Collegiate Prep, Health Sciences, Leadership, Public Service and Technology and Industrial Engineering.

Gaston County Schools has opportunities for students to explore the teaching profession as a way to grow our own community. The Teacher Cadet program is offered in multiple high schools throughout the district. This program places high school juniors and seniors in elementary school classrooms where they assist classroom teachers in helping with students. Teaching as a Profession is a CTE-piloted course being offered in two Gaston County high schools. The program is designed to encourage high-achieving high school students with strong academic, interpersonal and leadership skills to consider teaching as a career.

If you’re interested in working for Gaston County Schools, check out our job postings or email email.