2021-2022 Teacher of the Year Announced
For more than 50 years our nation has honored teachers with the National Teacher of the Year Program. In 2014, the NC Department of Public Instruction announced their partnership with Burroughs Wellcome Fund as the new major sponsor of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program. Since 1970, North Carolina has participated in this program recognizing outstanding teachers. Craven County Schools has participated in the Teacher of the Year Program for many years and is proud to recognize one of the many outstanding educators in the district as our 2021-2022 Teacher Ambassador/ Teacher of the Year.
Arnita Morris, an 8th Grade Math Teacher at HJ MacDonald Middle School has been selected as the 2021-2022 Teacher Ambassador for Craven County Schools. As a math teacher, Ms. Morris communicates the importance of education through her actions in the classroom and in the community. She cultivates relationships with parents and students by allowing them to see to her heart. Ms. Morris is passionate about creating an equitable space for all students. As the Craven County Schools Teacher Ambassador, Ms. Morris will serve as the local advisor to the Board of Education and will represent Craven County Schools in various community and civic events. Ms. Morris now moves on to compete against other local award recipients for the Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year title. Arnita Morris was chosen following an application, presentation and interview process with the local selection committee, comprised of the current Teacher Ambassador, the current Principal of the Year, central office leaders, Board of Education members and a community leader.
Arnita Morris has been teaching for eight years, with three of those years in Craven County Schools. Ms. Morris is committed to the success of all learners and creates learning experiences based on continuous improvement and rigorous content. In her application, Ms. Morris stated, “By showing each other kindness, giving grace, and pushing our students to be the best version of themselves, our students will flourish.” Ms. Morris not only serves the students in her school and classroom, she also serves our country and our community as a military wife.
When asked how she would communicate the importance of the teaching profession, Ms. Morris stated, “Craven County is a unique community that has the capacity to do amazing things if we work together.” Superintendent, Dr. Meghan S. Doyle, shared that, “Ms. Morris is the type of educator who is committed to the learning of every single student. She is an ambassador for educators, equity and the highest aspirations we have for our children. I’m excited for the rest of the state of North Carolina to meet this amazing Craven County Schools’ educator.” Arnita Morris represents what makes teachers great. Her message is one of unity, passion and collaboration.
Congratulations to Arnita Morris, the 2021-2022 Craven County Schools’ Teacher Ambassador/ Teacher of the Year. Being selected as the Teacher Ambassador/ Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors the district bestows on an educator. This last year has been a difficult one for our state and country, but our teachers have stepped up to demonstrate their love and commitment in new ways. It is more important than ever to recognize our teachers for their hard work. Toyota of New Bern, a committed community partner, graciously donated a beautiful Toyota Camry for Ms. Morris to drive during her tenure as Teacher of the Year. We are extremely grateful for this wonderful partnership and the dedication of Partners in Education for their help in facilitating this wonderful gift.
This year’s finalists included a talented and dedicated group of educators from across Craven County. The passion for teaching and learning was evident in the portfolios, presentations, and interviews of each candidate. This year’s finalists are:
· Jodi Elbing
Band Director at Grover C. Fields Middle School
· Kevin Reese
CTE Family and Consumer Science Teacher at New Bern High School
· Rachel Roccuzzo
4th Grade Teacher at Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary School
Congratulations to all our finalists for what they do each day for the students and families in Craven County. The work of these teachers is transforming today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders.