Deema Kahwash standing outside of Community High School with her flowers

In Buncombe County Schools (BCS), you will find passionate and talented educators with all levels of experience. Several years ago, BCS partnered with the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) to recognize our new teachers with the Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY) program. 

The 2023 BTOY is Deema Kahwash from Community High School (CHS). Ms. Kahwash shares her passion for math each day with her students. She strives to ensure that everyone succeeds each and every day. 

“As a teacher my job is to guide students daily,” she said. “I love helping high school students develop their natural love for learning.”

On September 23, Ms. Kahwash was surprised with the news by her students, colleagues, and BCS Central Office staff. Everyone waited excitedly in the media center to celebrate Ms. Kahwash. 

“I had no idea what was going on, and didn’t think I would be receiving an award,” she said. “I am very proud, grateful, and lucky to have the support I have at Community High. I’m so grateful to be a part of the CHS team.”

Ms. Kahwash will represent BCS as she moves on to the regional BTOY competition. The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor beginning teachers and to retain teachers who show promise as excellent teachers and education leaders in North Carolina. This person is new to the profession and demonstrates a multitude of teaching techniques that help their students thrive in the classroom and beyond.