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In a sea of WCPSS schools, local teachers stand out

By Sharron Gibson
Education Editor

In a time of budget cuts, court rulings and uncertainty, many local educators were treated to a welcome respite on Monday, May 4.

Ryan Williams, right, interacts with students. PAUL TAMBASCO, GCNT

The Garner Educational Foundation, in conjunction with the town of Garner and the Garner Chamber of Commerce, hosted a reception and recognition ceremony for all area Teacher of the Year, Teacher Assistant of the Year and First Year Teacher of the Year recipients, as well as 2008-2009 National Board Certified educators.

GEF, a nonprofit organization, strives to improve educational achievement among Garner-area students by also supporting teachers in achieving success and recognition.

After the reception in the Town Hall lobby, all honorees were recognized individually before an audience of family members, school administrators, friends and members from the hosting organizations. On behalf of GEF, and organized by volunteer GEF volunteer Majorie Barefoot, each honoree was presented with a certificate and a token of appreciation.

Joy Fox, a top 10 Wake County Teacher Assistant of the Year finalist, was honored at the reception as Teacher Assistant of the Year for Creech Road Elementary School.

“There are so many amazing educators in the Garner area, many familiar and new faces,” Fox said. “It was great to get to see some of them gathered together in one place while being honored. … I was one of two teacher assistants present that evening from a Garner-area school that was chosen a top 10 WCTAOY finalist. Garner must be doing something right!”

Fifteen teachers from area schools earned National Board Certification during the course of this school year. Two Garner teachers, Ryan Williams of Rand Road Elementary School and Michael Dunbar of East Garner Magnet Middle School, also received the Diane-Kent Parker Teacher of the Year Award for first year teachers. Dunbar was also honored as the First Year Teacher of the Year for all of Wake County.

Whether some of the award recipients will be affected by recent budget cut decisions remains to be seen. But educators such as Fox remain optimistic and dedicated to their work with children.

“Each day I am able to do a job that I thoroughly love by working with awesome children and families in Garner,” Fox said. “I’ve been doing it almost nine years; and, despite any challenges there may be, I am still excited each day to get to school to do something that doesn’t feel like work.”

Related articles:

• Local first-year teachers receive Diane Kent-Parker awards
• Garner teachers receive board certification
• Garner teacher assistants nominated for award

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