2021 Teachers of the Year Announced

Schools across Buncombe County announced their 2020-2021 Teachers of the Year.

By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

It was a week of celebration as schools across Buncombe County announced their 2020-2021 Teachers of the Year. The annual tradition promotes excellence in education, and is an opportunity for teachers to recognize peers who exemplify the profession and its values. After schools voted for their nominee, teachers were surprised with gifts, parties, and unexpected announcements throughout the week.

“We look forward to this week every year,” said Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin. “The professionalism and experience that these educators bring to school each day is evident in the successes of their students. We're fortunate to have such fine educators in Buncombe County, and their honor is well-deserved."

Across the state, the North Carolina Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers at the regional and statewide levels. In competing to represent their BCS district and Buncombe County in the state program, each school’s chosen Teacher of the Year 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 while teaching. The program encourages and motivates teachers to be their best, while challenging them to better articulate their professional goals.

The seven district finalists will be announced in April, 2020, and the Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year and Ruth Henderson Award winner will be announced in September.

Congratulations to our talented and distinguished Teachers of the Year who continually inspire those around them, helping students to be their best and prepare for tomorrow.

The 2020-2021 BCS Teachers of the Year

Maureen Wellbery, Avery's Creek Elementary
Kendall Chandler, Barnardsville Elementary
Adrienne Smith, Charles C. Bell Elementary
Leigh Weaver, Black Mountain Elementary
Terri Covington, Black Mountain Primary
Jason Rhodes, Buncombe County Middle College
Peter Wilbur, Candler Elementary
Kathryn Strickler, Cane Creek Middle
Anna Brawley, Community High
Kelly Corriher, Joe P. Eblen Intermediate
Shirley Young, Emma Elementary
Meigan Messer, Enka High
Lora Jason, Enka Intermediate
Erin Fuseler, Enka Middle
Kelsey Sickmeyer, Clyde A. Erwin High
Tori King, Clyde A. Erwin Middle
Chris Lengle, W.W. Estes Elementary
Megan Fulkerson, Fairview Elementary
Rebecca Howerton, Glen Arden Elementary
Emily Truluck, Haw Creek Elementary
Andrew Rogers, Hominy Valley Elementary
Gabby Godfrey, Johnston Elementary
Elizabeth Irvin, Charles T. Koontz Intermediate
April Gragg, Leicester Elementary
Autumn Malloy, Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy
Mary Ellen Horne, North Buncombe Elementary
Toby Anderson, North Buncombe High
Kasey Hensley, North Buncombe Middle
Deanne Stowe, North Windy Ridge
Paula Ottinger, Oakley Elementary
Leanne Gosey, Charles D. Owen High
Heather Warren, Charles D. Owen Middle
Brandon Green, Progressive Education Program
Sara Moore, Pisgah Elementary
Cathleen Higgins, A.C. Reynolds Middle
Katie Klinker , A.C. Reynolds High
Cynthia Srijayanta, Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
Taylor Sluder, T.C. Roberson High
Erin Maccarelli, Valley Springs Middle
Sarah Calloway, W.D. Williams Elementary
Natalie Morris, Weaverville Elementary
Jason Powell, Weaverville Primary
Brook Baker, West Buncombe Elementary
Malorie Morrill, Woodfin Elementary

These names appear as reported by each school. Please contact BCS Communications with any corrections.

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Buncombe County Schools