A teacher at W.D. Williams Elementary is starting her second year in the profession with a big honor. Megan Van Etten is the Buncombe County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Van Etten was surprised by BCS Beginning Teacher Coordinator Carol O’Connell, Principal Christy Jones, BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jamie Johnson, who popped into her 5th grade classroom this week and celebrated with her cheering students.
“This is such an honor,” Ms. Van Etten shared. “I love being at this school. There’s so much support, and we really are a big family. The best thing about my job is being with my students, seeing them grow and achieve each day and throughout the year.”
Principal Jones nominated Ms. Van Etten, and says through a challenging first year, the new teacher never stopped showing up for her students and their families.
“In the weeks school was out following Hurricane Helene, Ms. Van Etten spent every day in Swannanoa volunteering for a local church,” said Mrs. Jones. “As a servant leader, families and children witnessed the love and dedication and they formed immediate, lasting relationships. When school came back into session, she continued working hard to foster a strong sense of belonging in her classroom.”
Congratulations, Ms. Van Etten!
