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Local first-year teachers receive Diane Kent-Parker awards

By Sharron Gibson
Citizen Journalist

The Diane Kent-Parker Award is given to four Wake County Public School System educators each year. Two of this year’s recipients teach at Garner-area schools.

Michael Dunbar Jr. BARRY MOORE, GCNT

Ryan Williams, a fifth-grade teacher at Rand Road Elementary School, received the award for elementary schools. Michael Dunbar Jr., an eighth-grade at East Garner Magnet Middle School, was chosen as the middle school recipient.

The award, named for the late WCPSS Human Resources Department senior director for teacher recruitment and retention, honors two teachers from elementary schools and one each from middle and high schools across the county. Candidates are nominated by their principals based on having shown significant professional success during their first year of teaching.

A selection committee then reviews the candidates and their required essays, conducts interviews and narrows the field. The committee then makes an unannounced visit to observe each teacher in action before selecting the award winners.

Williams’ successful cross-country transition

Williams initially considered coaching; he got a degree in physical education at Albion College in his native Michigan.

“Then I found that I really have a passion for just helping out kids, helping out the younger generation,” he said. “I found that’s what I really love to do.”

Deciding to spend more time in the classroom, Williams then earned his teaching certification and master’s degree from Grand Valley State University.

“Working with kids is just amazing to me and to be able to say at the end of the day that I helped somebody. It’s a very fulfilling job, a lot of work, but very fulfilling. I enjoy every day.”

The Diane Kent-Parker Award in part recognizes Williams’ rapport with his students.

“Williams’ greatest strength is his ability to form positive connections with his students, helping them to gain confidence and succeed,” a WCPSS press release said. “He has earned the respect of students, parents and colleagues with his calm, patient demeanor and his personal motivation to learn and improve.”

Williams, who has no family in the area, has found support from his co-workers to be most helpful. Following the advice of his mentor, Wendy Fox, to make sure he had a life outside of school, Williams has formed friendships and joined a recreational league softball team with co-workers.

The support from the Rand Road staff is also very evident in the classroom.

“I can’t say that it’s just me,” he said. “I’ve just been doing the best I can but with the support of everybody, the whole staff. My principal [Rhonda Jones] is awesome.”

Williams said coming to North Carolina and Rand Road Elementary was a rough transition.

“I think, coming in as a new teacher, you’re never fully prepared for everything you’re going to encounter,” he said. “But I got through it. I try to improve every day, and every day has improved.”

Dunbar sparks enthusiasm for science

Although Dunbar began his college career with an eye toward engineering, he quickly realized that the engineering field did not best suit his people-oriented personality.

Inspired by the example of his mother, a beloved high school teacher in eastern North Carolina, he decided to put his love of science to use in the classroom. After graduating from North Carolina State University in December 2007, Dunbar took over classes at East Garner Magnet Middle School, which had been under the direction of substitutes for roughly a quarter of the school year.

Although he described those first few months as tough, he was amazed at the amount of growth he saw in his young students.

“I think it’s been a great experience,” he said. “I feel like I have learned so much. I couldn’t be in a better place to learn.”

In receiving the Diane Kent-Parker Award, Dunbar was recognized as being an excellent educator and team player.

“He … will always do what’s best for the students and the entire school community,” the press release said. ”He has earned the respect of his parents, students and colleagues through his work ethic, mutual respect and wonderful sense of humor.”

East Garner Magnet Middle Principal Cathy Williams agrees that Dunbar is a wonderful asset to the school.

“He knows how to connect with kids in a really meaningful way that helps them get excited about learning. He definitely has the teacher gene!” Williams said.

In addition to teaching eighth grade science, Dunbar teaches electives such as engineering and gardening. His students are especially engaged in the garden they have planted on the school’s campus and are excited on the days they get to work in the garden to nurture their plants.

Like Williams, Dunbar acknowledges the helpful support of the staff at his school.

“They are really supportive here,” he said. “We do so much staff development in things that are really useful. I couldn’t have picked a better school … I love it here. By the end of the first half year, I felt like I was part of a family.”

Dunbar also enjoys the support of his own family. He is married to his college sweetheart, Jennifer, and is looking forward to spending his summer break with his young son, Evan, who will turn 1 year old this summer.

Related articles:

• Two Garner finalists for Teacher Assistant of the Year
• In a sea of WCPSS schools, local teachers stand out
• Garner teachers receive board certification

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