Latest news with #PrincipaloftheYear
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Departing NC Teacher of the Year challenges State Board, legislators to do more for public schools
North Carolina State Board of Education honored its departing NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year at its June 5th meeting. (NCDPI Screengrab) When Kimberly Jones was selected as the 2023-24 North Carolina Teacher of the Year she earned a two-year appointment to the State Board of Education. This week, as the veteran Chapel Hill English teacher attended her final meeting in that leadership capacity, she challenged both the board and state legislators to invest more in public schools. Jones urged the State Board of Education on Thursday to stay grounded in the constitutional mandate to provide every North Carolina child with a sound basic education. 'Be wary of oversimplified solutions to complex challenges,' Jones advised. 'Invest not only in outcomes, but in the conditions that produce them — teacher retention, culturally relevant pedagogy, instructional materials that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives and learning environments that allow our students to feel safe, both physically and emotionally.' During her time on the board, the Trump administration's U.S. Department of Education has sought to block diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs nationwide. Jones cautioned her colleagues to never confuse neutrality with justice. 'Please make equity, access, or whatever synonym meets the current criteria to guide your compass, even when that path is hard to navigate. The very future of our democracy and our society depends on how courageously you continue to steward this responsibility,' Jones said. As Newsline has previously reported, this legislative session state Republican lawmakers have advanced multiple proposals to eliminate DEI from all corners of the public sector — government, higher education and K-12 education. At the same time, the North Carolina House has passed legislation that would promote 'wholesome' content for students, but that critics have derided as an invitation to censorship. The bill would require the State Board of Education to maintain a database of all banned media across the state with annual updates. Jones reminded the board that reading and inquiry are not a nuisance, but rather an engine of learning. 'In my classroom, we use complex questions to feel reading, research, and rigorous dialogue to build empathy and to strengthen civic understanding,' she said. 'I believe students of every background and every region of our state deserve access to such curricula. Ones that affirm their identity, reflect their communities, inspire their best efforts, and invite them into meaningful conversations about the world they are inheriting and shaping.' Jones, a high school English and AP African American studies and Holocaust educator, said students should be encouraged to explore not just what was said or written, but why it mattered. For legislators who will be working on a compromise budget in the weeks ahead, Jones urged improved funding for schools and better respect for educators. 'Public education cannot be reimagined if it is consistently underfunded, undermined, or politicized,' she said. 'If we are to recruit and retain a diverse, highly qualified, and effective workforce, then we must offer more than praise. We must offer respect, autonomy, and trust.' Jones said her classroom colleagues simply deserve more. 'We need competitive teacher pay that honors both experience and expertise. We need sustainable investments in student mental health because no curriculum is effective in a crisis. We need clean modern school buildings, not just in select counties but in every community.' The House budget proposes to increase new teacher pay from $41,000 a year to $48,000 for the next school year but offers little to more experienced teachers. The Senate budget offers average raises of 2.3% in FY 25-26 with a $3,000 bonus spread out over two years. The two sides are reportedly far apart from reaching a consensus. Beyond the classroom, Jones said lawmakers should acknowledge those behind the scenes — cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and those willing to pitch in to maintain the grounds and buildings when the needs surpass the resources. For parents and community advocates, Jones encouraged them to visit a classroom, become a mentor, vote in their local school board elections, and ask their local school district leaders what they're doing to serve the most marginalized students. Jones said it's important to understand that not every student learns the same way, and not every parent's experience with their school is universal. 'In public schools, there are no applications for admission. There are no filters to whom we serve. We don't select who enters our classrooms, but every day we get the unparalleled opportunity to shape and influence what kind of person leaves our classrooms.' Jones said that during challenging times she reflects on a proverb which holds that children are born with their hands closed because that's where their gifts and talents lie. 'As they grow, their hands begin to open so they can share those talents with the world. At its most essential level, education is not about what we put into young people. It's about what we pull out of them,' she said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meet the four new administrative leaders for Pitt County Schools
PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Four people have been appointed to administrative leadership positions within the Pitt County School System. Dr. Jennifer James has been hired as the new PCS Director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction. This role has been redesigned to better ensure quality education. Dr. James was an award winning leader at Innovation Early College High School since the school opened in August of 2018. She was selected as the Pitt County Schools Principal of the Year in 2023 and has been an educator for 19 years, 12 of which she served as a principal. 'I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Pitt County Schools in this new role,' Dr. James said. 'I look forward to working with senior leadership, our curriculum specialist and instructional coaches on strengthening the academic programs in our district. A strong foundation has already been laid, and I am looking forward to collaborating with others to realize our shared vision of inspiring and motivating all learners. Leaving Innovation Early College High School is bittersweet. The journey with the IECHS team has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together over the past seven years.' Dr. Kirby Maness will serve as the new principal of Ayden-Grifton High School. Dr. Maness has been Ridgewood Elementary School's principal since January of 2023 and started at the school as an assistant principal in 2020. He helped the elementary school become the first in Pitt County to receive a Model Professional Learning Communities at Work School prestigious designation. 'I am excited to join the Charger family and partner with students, staff, families, and the greater Ayden-Grifton community,' Dr. Maness said. 'This school has a rich tradition, and I look forward to working together to elevate every student's opportunity to lead, grow, and succeed. I want to thank Dr. Lassiter for the opportunity to serve in this role and to lead such a remarkable school community. I am also deeply grateful to the students, staff, and families of Ridgewood Elementary School for the incredible journey we shared.' Casey Hyatt will be the new principal for Innovation Early College High School. Hyatt previously served as the principal for Ayden-Grifton High School where she started in January of 2023. She won the Pitt County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year award in 2022 and has worked as an educator for 12 years. 'I'm honored to join Innovation Early College High School as principal and excited to lead a community where academic excellence and innovation drive student success,' Hyatt said. 'I'm deeply grateful to Dr. James for her exceptional leadership and the strong foundation she leaves behind. Building on that legacy, I look forward to fostering innovation, accelerating achievement, and empowering every student to grow as a confident learner and future leader. Alison Covington will be Farmville's Sugg-Bundy Elementary School's new principal. She spent the last eight years in leadership roles at Belvoir and South Greenville. Covington won the Pitt County Schools and Wells Fargo Northeast Region Principal of the Year in 2022. She has been an educator for 20 years and has also spent time working with Falkland Elementary as an assistant principal. 'While I will deeply miss the amazing team at South Greenville Elementary, I am excited to begin this new chapter at Sugg-Bundy,' Covington said. 'It's an honor to join a school community with such a strong sense of purpose and commitment to students. I'm looking forward to working alongside all students and staff, learning from what's already been accomplished, and growing together. I'm excited for all we'll achieve!' These educators will begin their new roles now and through the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Miami-Dade Principal of the Year Gets New Car from Headquarter Toyota
Red-carpet event celebrates Walter C. Hall at Hialeah Dealership MIAMI, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a celebration of community and educational excellence, Headquarter Toyota — a family-owned dealership marking 35 years of service to South Florida — rolled out the red carpet to honor Walter C. Hall, the 2025 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Principal of the Year. The lively event at Headquarter's Hialeah showroom featured music, balloons, and a warm gathering of family and school officials, culminating in Principal Hall receiving the keys to a brand-new Toyota Camry SE with a complimentary three-year lease, presented by the dealership's President and CEO, Jeronimo Esteve. "Today, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of Walter Hall, but also all educators in Miami-Dade County Public Schools who help shape the future of our community," said Esteve. "Headquarter Toyota is proudly committed to education, and this gesture reflects our deep appreciation for those who inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders." Hall has served as principal of Leisure City K–8 Center since 2019 and has dedicated over two decades to Miami-Dade County Public Schools as both a teacher and administrator. Widely respected for his leadership, Hall led a major curriculum overhaul shortly after taking the helm—resulting in the highest assessment scores in the school's history and dramatically improving outcomes for students and staff. He is also a 2025 recipient of the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award, which honors outstanding leaders at Florida's high-risk K–12 schools. A hands-on administrator who fosters a culture of love, respect, and accountability, Hall describes his mission as personal. "I believe everyone has a purpose," Hall said. "We're here to make a difference in the lives of others. Leisure City is my purpose. I'm honored and humbled to lead such an incredible student body and faculty. I am also deeply grateful to Headquarter Toyota for this generous gift. This means the world to me—not just as an educator, but as someone who believes in the power of community. It's uplifting to know our work is valued and celebrated." Headquarter Toyota, the largest Hispanic-owned dealership in the United States, has served over three million customers since 1990 and has proudly awarded a new vehicle to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Principal of the Year for the second consecutive year. For more information, visit Contact: Carlos Espinosa, carlos@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Headquarter Toyota
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Moore County names educators of the year
CARTHAGE — Moore County Schools recently announced the 2025-2026 district-level award recipients for Alternate Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year. These exceptional educators exemplify the passion, dedication, and leadership that elevate student success and inspire school communities across the district. COX Melissa Cox, a fourth-grade teacher at Highfalls Elementary School, was selected as Alternate Teacher of the Year. Known for her enthusiasm, adaptability and student-centered approach, Cox made a seamless transition from second to fourth grade this year and has continued to deliver engaging lessons with what has been described as a 'positive urgency.' 'Words can't truly express how honored and humbled I am to be selected as Alternate Teacher of the Year,' Cox said. 'This recognition is incredibly meaningful, and it fills my heart with so much gratitude. To be acknowledged for something that I love so much is truly special. The real reward is the joy I experience daily working with my amazing students and their supportive families. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and growth make every challenge worthwhile. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a profession that I love so deeply, and this award just adds an extra layer of sweetness to an already fulfilling journey.' ROWLAND Diana Rowland, a dedicated educator at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School, was named Teacher of the Year. Rowland is widely recognized for her innovative, data-informed instruction and her ability to cultivate a classroom environment where curiosity is encouraged and students are empowered to explore and thrive. 'This recognition is a reflection of the amazing students I get to teach, the incredible team I work alongside every day, and the unwavering support of my family,' Rowland said. 'I'm grateful to represent MCS and excited to keep doing what I love—helping students grow and shine! Thank you!' Rowland will represent Moore County Schools in the Sandhills Region Teacher of the Year competition. MACPHERSON Julie MacPherson, principal of Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, was selected as the Principal of the Year. With over 20 years of service in Moore County Schools—including leadership roles at the elementary, middle and preschool levels—MacPherson has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student growth and school improvement. Her leadership has contributed to her school exceeding growth for two consecutive years and moving from a C-rated to a B-rated school—within just a few points of achieving an A rating. 'This award inspires me to continue the important work of striving for our students to reach their full potential,' MacPherson said. She will represent Moore County Schools in the Sandhills Region competition for Regional Principal of the Year.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mukwonago's Luke Spielman: Wisconsin Middle School Principal of Year
The Brief Luke Spielman, principal of Park View Middle School in the Mukwonago Area School District, has been named the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year. Spielman is recognized for his focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, empowerment, relationship building, and trust, leading to improved student outcomes. The Principal of the Year award is supported by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. MUKWONAGO, Wis. - The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) announced on Friday, April 11 that Luke Spielman has been named the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year. What we know A news release says Spielman serves as principal of Park View Middle School in the Mukwonago Area School District (MASD). There, he has focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and empowerment, while prioritizing relationship building and trust. He has led strategic efforts to restructure the school schedule, extend instructional time, and create protected collaboration periods for teachers, which have directly improved student outcomes. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Under Spielman's leadership, Park View has implemented inclusive, data-driven practices that close achievement gaps and promote college and career readiness. Proficiency among students with disabilities has improved significantly in both math and English Language Arts. Park View's DPI Growth Priority Score also rose from the 11th to the 75th percentile in just two years. Dig deeper Supported by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, the Principal of the Year award recognizes school leaders who have helped drive student learning, foster instructional collaboration, and create safe and positive school environments. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to professional excellence, leadership skills, and service to their communities. What you can do Each year, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators are asked to nominate principals for the award. The recipients are selected by a committee made up of representatives of parents and classroom, school, and district leaders. To learn more about the award, visit The Source The information in this post was provided by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators.
