Balloons, cakes, and cheers filled classrooms across Buncombe County this January as schools announced their 2022-2023* Teachers of the Year. The annual tradition promotes excellence in education as teachers recognize peers who exemplify the profession and its values. This year, 45 teachers were chosen to represent their schools and compete for the Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year title.
"I'm very proud of these talented educators for serving as representatives of our academic community," said Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin. "Our schools are fortunate to have such capable educators helping students to reach their potential every day."
Buncombe County's teacher-led program is part of the statewide North Carolina Teacher of the Year program organized by the North Carolina Dept. of Public Instruction. Locally, each school’s chosen teacher participates in a rigorous process requiring them to reflect on their careers, methods, and values. They write essays, deliver speeches, interview with a teacher-led decision committee, and are observed during instruction. The awards program shines a light on excellence in the classroom, celebrates outstanding leadership, and models best practices for the teaching profession.
Seven district finalists representing the Enka, Erwin, North Buncombe, Owen, Reynolds, Roberson, and At-Large schools are scheduled to be announced in April. The Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year and Ruth Henderson Award winners will be announced in September.
"From all of our Buncombe County Schools administrators, board members, principals, teachers, and staff - congratulations," Dr. Baldwin added.
* The year associated with each Teacher of the Year season is the one during which BCS' overall Teacher of the Year will predominantly serve. BCS' 2023 Teacher of the Year will be named in September, 2022, and will serve for one year.
The 2022-2023 BCS Teachers of the Year
Melody McGarrahan, Avery's Creek Elementary
Whitney Hamlin, Barnardsville Elementary
Kelly Mundhenk, BCS Virtual Academy
Teneile Pickett, Charles C. Bell Elementary
Alison Croom, Black Mountain Elementary
Jennifer Lawson, Black Mountain Primary
James Violette, Buncombe County Early College
Gabrielle Godfrey, Candler Elementary
Marion Jacobelly, Cane Creek Middle
Calvin Cross, Community High
Lori Ahn, Joe P. Eblen Intermediate
Nicole Revis, Emma Elementary
Don Witsell, Enka High
Lakeisha Lee, Enka Intermediate
Chelsea Myer, Enka Middle
Amber Kendall, Clyde A. Erwin High
James Holt, Clyde A. Erwin Middle
Melissa Norris, W.W. Estes Elementary
Whitley Burleson, Fairview Elementary
Jackie McCurry, Glen Arden Elementary
Amanda Clinton, Haw Creek Elementary
Julie Ro, Hominy Valley Elementary
Kelly Wilson, Johnston Elementary
Abby Padgett, Charles T. Koontz Intermediate
Caryn Levy, Leicester Elementary
David Kayler, Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy
Sandra Forero, North Buncombe Elementary
Jenny Zimmerman, North Buncombe High
Michele Hammond, North Buncombe Middle
Erica Boyd, North Windy Ridge Intermediate
Allison Osborne, Oakley Elementary
Taylor Taylor, Charles D. Owen High
Kelsey Triplett, Charles D. Owen Middle
Carol Ray, Progressive Education Program
Melody Davis, Pisgah Elementary
Gillian Tart-Snyder, A.C. Reynolds Middle
Mark Harris, A.C. Reynolds High
Katie Speak, Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
Joshua Lowe, T.C. Roberson High
Kimberly Hargis, Valley Springs Middle
Brittany Hancock, W.D. Williams Elementary
Karen Hamilton, Weaverville Elementary
Angela Ponder, Weaverville Primary
Ashley Sales, West Buncombe Elementary
Marcie Wells, Woodfin Elementary
These names appear as reported by each school. Please contact BCS Communications with any corrections.