UCPS announces 2018 Teacher of the Year finalists
Every year , Union County Public Schools ( UCPS ) recognizes a teacher who is not only dedicated and capable of inspiring students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn , but also establishes an environment that is conducive to the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence .
Ten UCPS Teacher of the Year finalists had been selected from a pool of 53 school-wide Teachers of the Year .
Benton Heights Elementary – Jennifer West Jennifer is a pre-kindergarten teacher at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts . A graduate of St . Bonaventure University , where she earned bachelor ’ s degrees in Elementary Education and Education- Students with Disabilities as well as a master ’ s degree in Early Childhood Literacy , Jennifer has taught at Benton Heights Elementary since 2006 . With the belief that one of the greatest gifts in life is the love of learning , Jennifer ’ s goal is to make a child ’ s first school experience positive , exciting , challenging and intrinsically rewarding .
Monroe Middle – Donnika Kibler Donnika Kibbler is a sixth grade math instructor at Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle . A graduate of Johnson C . Smith and Wingate University , where she earned a bachelor ’ s and a master ’ s degree in education , Donnika has taught at UCPS schools since 2006 . Donnika is an advocate for student growth and believes all students can grow in an environment that fosters significant relationships and active engagement . She believes positive relationships are the foundation to a successful school year .
Parkwood High – Cheryl Brightsen Cheryl Brightsen is a math teacher at Parkwood High . A graduate of The King ’ s College , where she earned a bachelor ’ s degree in mathematical sciences , Cheryl has taught at UCPS schools for nearly 18 years . Cheryl says the biggest contributing factor to a student ’ s success is what they believe about their abilities , and she strives to create a physical and emotional classroom environment that allows her students to thrive .
Piedmont High – Tiphany Speck Tiphany Speck is a social studies teacher at Piedmont High . A graduate of Appalachian State University and University of North Carolina at Charlotte , Tiphany has taught at Piedmont High for the past five years . Tiphany believes that education is a fundamental building block for the development and growth of society , and she strives to create a positive atmosphere for all students .
On Monday , March 5 , UCPS Superintendent Dr . Andrew Houlihan and Cabinet staff revealed the names of the 10 UCPS Teacher of the Year finalists by visiting the teachers at their schools . The winner was announced at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet on April 19 .
Congratulations to the following Teacher of the Year finalists :
Rock Rest Elementary – Julia Shea Julia Shea is a fifth grade teacher at Rock Rest Elementary . A graduate of Keene State College , where she earned a bachelor ’ s degree in Elementary Education , Julia has taught at Rock Rest Elementary since 2014 . She believes that to be a successful and truly impactful teacher , she must constantly reflect and adapt to the learning that is going on in her classroom . She prides herself on fostering a longing for learning in her students and putting them in control of their own growth and success .
Sun Valley Middle – Debra Dixon Debra Dixon is a science teacher at Sun Valley Middle . A graduate of University of Texas and Seattle University , where she earned a bachelor ’ s degree in Spanish and a master ’ s degree in Education Administration , Debra has worked as an educator at various schools across the country for the past 16 years . Debra strongly believes that all of her students can and will learn , and her goal is to be better tomorrow than she is today .
South Providence – Heather Diaz Heather Diaz is an Exceptional Children ’ s program teacher at South Providence School . A graduate of Western Carolina University and Nichols College , Heather has been an educator in school systems across the country for the past nine years . Heather believes that all children can learn and deserve a high quality , accessible education that prepares them to be productive , global citizens . Heather said her students feel valued and respected , and her classroom is a safe place to learn , grow and make mistakes .
Weddington High – Benjamin Lukey Benjamin Lukey is an English teacher at Weddington High . A graduate of University of North Carolina at Charlotte , where he earned a bachelor ’ s degree in English , Benjamin has taught at Weddington High since 2013 . Benjamin believes that teachers need to establish and maintain a positive and welcoming atmosphere and have a solemn duty to be positive role models . He strives to manage his classroom according to the golden rule , “ Do unto others as you would have them do unto you .”
10 • May / June 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine