BCS Communications Dept.
Each year, the Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year tradition celebrates excellence in education and gives teachers the opportunity to recognize peers who exemplify the profession and its values.
The names of the seven 2021-22 District Teachers of the Year were revealed on April 1, 2021, during a Buncombe County Board of Education regular meeting. The news was delivered by Mr. Jason Rhodes, the
2021 BCS Teacher of the Year from Buncombe County Middle College, and Ms. DeLana Parker, the
2020 BCS Teachers of the Year from Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School, following an introduction to this year's program by Associate Superintendent Ms. Susanne Swanger.
"Tonight, we're going to celebrate these seven individuals and their accomplishments," Swanger said.
Before announcing the finalists, Rhodes shared a message with all area Teachers of the Year, recognizing them for their critical roles in the community.
"In the toughest of times, your colleagues saw your work and said, 'That is the Teacher of the Year,'" Rhodes said. "You are the ones who stood out above all the rest - a covid-year Teacher of the Year. What an honor. I am proud to work in the same county with all of you."
Rhodes and Parker represented a teacher-led decision committee who selected the seven accomplished teachers from among
all 44 school Teachers of the Year. In September, the committee will announce one of the seven to represent all Buncombe County schools in the regional phase of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year program. Additionally, the committee will announce one teacher as the recipient of the community-minded Ruth Henderson Award.
The recorded April 1 Board of Education meeting is available on YouTube.
The 2022 District Teachers of the Year
Arami Holloway Moore, Community High (At-Large)
Katelyn Braschler, Pisgah Elementary (Enka District)
Jordan Braschler, C.A. Erwin Middle (Erwin District)
Jennifer Shelley, Weaverville Primary (North Buncombe District)
William Honey, W.D. Williams Elementary (Owen District)
Maggie Harvin, Fairview Elementary (Reynolds District)
Richard Rookey, Valley Springs Middle (Roberson District)