Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools November 2013 | Page 14

Top teacher lives for those ‘a-ha!’ moments

Lynnetta Sides-Witherspoon earns Charlotte Post Foundation’s Teacher of the Year award
For Westerly Hills Elementary language arts teacher Lynnetta SidesWitherspoon, teaching is all about that ‘a-ha!’ moment.
“When I am in front of my students and I see the light bulb
come on during a lesson, I know that I am making an impact,” said
Sides-Witherspoon. “It confirms that I am doing what I was meant
to do—teach.”
Sides-Witherspoon has been teaching for 13 years and has spent
her entire career at Westerly Hills. She was honored as The Charlotte
Post Foundation’s Teacher of the Year at the Foundation’s “Post Best”
banquet at the Hilton City Center on Oct. 12 in uptown Charlotte.
“It is truly an honor,” said Sides-Witherspoon. “I would not be where
I am without the guidance and support of my mentors and colleagues.”
Westerly Hills Principal Gwen Shannon is one of the mentors she
says influenced and inspired her the most. Shannon mentored SidesWitherspoon for years prior to becoming the school’s principal.
“It brings me great joy to see her continue to grow and flourish,”
said Shannon. “She is a leader and role model in and out of the
classroom.”
Sides-Witherspoon believes that all students are capable of
learning. She uses a variety of tools and methods to help her students
understand lessons. During one reading lesson, her students used
clickers to send their answers to an interactive whiteboard. SidesWitherspoon discussed
how they got their answers
and asked them to share
their reasoning. She also
incorporated interactive
reading games and
learning stations.
“I like when we work
in small groups,” said
Jamia Johnson, a student.
“But my favorite thing is
when we read and talk
about character traits. It is
fun to imagine what they
are like.”
Fifth-grader Terrance
Burch added that he
doesn’t mind when he
has to take tests in her
class because he feels
confident that he knows

The Mighty Scot marches on

McClintock Middle dedicates new building
1925 Rama Road has been home to McClintock Middle since 1955. The school was
named for the late W. Banks McClintock, a former school board member and community
leader. On Sept. 27, students, staff, Board members and McClintock family members
celebrated the opening of a new McClintock Middle.
“We have always been so proud of this school,” said Jacque McClintock, who is
married to Mr. McClintock’s grandson. “I know he (W. Banks) would be extremely proud.”
The 133,792-square foot building was constructed with funds from the 2007 bonds
and has 54 classrooms. The new school also has upgraded technology and specialty
classrooms for dance, theater, music and art.
“I am so proud to be principal of this great school,” said Paul Williams. “We are a
family and we have support from our community, parents and administrators.”
McClintock’s dedication program included a student performance, as well as remarks
from Board of Education member Tom Tate, Superintendent Heath Morrison and
community supporters.
“It is a joy to be here to celebrate with you today,” said Tate. “Keep going and keep
growing McClintock.”
In a nod to the school’s history and mascot, the Mighty Scot, McClintock alum Melanie
Skinner performed on the bagpipes.
12 • November/December 2013 • Parent Teacher Magazine?

the material. If he doesn’t get it the first time, he knows he can
ask his teacher for help.
Sides-Witherspoon’s impact on her students is wide-ranging.
“Students who I taught in the third grade, some who are
now attending high school and college, still visit me,” said SidesWitherspoon. “After so many years they still remember me,
value my opinion and ask for my advice.”
The Charlotte Post Foundation will also honor Cynthia
Shepard. She will receive the Counselor of the Year award.
Shepard is the department chair of school counseling services
at Butler High School. She has participated in and supported the
Charlotte Post’s Top Seniors Scholarship program over the years,
and has shown her dedication, diligence and sincere belief in her
students’ success.