by Belinda Branson, lincoln.k12.nc.us (June 6, 2007)
Lincolnton, NC – Lincoln County Schools new 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Carroll, walked into what she thought was a faculty meeting. She was surprised to learn that the faculty meeting was called to announce she had been selected as Lincoln County's Teacher of the Year. Jennifer is a 1st grade teacher at St. James Elementary School. A native of Lincolnton, Jennifer attended Catawba College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1996. She then continued her education by attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997 where she received her Masters Degrees in Elementary Education and Reading.
Jennifer states that her decision to become an educator was influenced by her family and a "very special teacher," Libby Fletcher. Her mother and aunt were also teachers and before entering school, her "world was a classroom."
Jennifer began her career at S. Ray Lowder Elementary School in 1998, where she served as a teacher for five years. In 2003, she began teaching at St. James Elementary School. During her career, she has earned her National Board Certification and received membership into The Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She has also completed Lincoln County's LEAD program as well as the Principals Executive Program.
Buddy Stasney of Griffin Buick-Pontiac-GMC handed the keys of a brand new car to Jennifer. The car is hers to drive for one year. This is the sixth year Buddy Stasney's dealership has generously offered a vehicle to the LCS Teacher of the Year. This is a gesture that the Lincoln County School system greatly appreciates. Dr Jim Watson, Lincoln County School Superintendent stated, "We are so proud of Jennifer and her selection. We have many outstanding teachers in Lincoln County. Jennifer will represent her colleagues well. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Buddy Stasney and Griffin Pontiac-Buick-GMC. He has helped to elevate the teaching profession and its impact in our society by awarding our Teacher of the Year a car to use for the upcoming year. He is truly a friend of education."
Jennifer will continue on to the regional level of the NC Teacher of the Year competition.
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