Rookie of the Year 2022

Congratulations to our five finalists for Rookie Teacher of the Year, who were surprised with the announcement in their classrooms this morning. 

Rookies are educators in their second or third year of teaching, which means that these teachers began their careers in the pandemic have not had one “normal” year yet.

But step into their classrooms unannounced on a Wednesday morning, and it will be clear that they have been teaching their tails off, building deep and meaningful relationships with their students, and inspiring incredible growth and learning — and doing it better than the circumstances would lead anyone to believe.

“What do you love about your teacher?” we ask their students. From kindergarten to high school, the answers are the same:

“She always respects us.”

“She’s the kindest teacher I’ve ever met.”

“She makes me want to do my best work.”

“I love when she reads to us.”

“She’s the best teacher in the whole world.”

“I love her.”

And the rookie teachers, without fail, each wiped away a tear, shook the Superintendent’s hand, got wrapped in a proud hug from a principal or mentor, tucked their shiny new plaques under their arms, and quickly got back to the matter at hand.

“As long as you’re here, let me show you what my students are working on,” they’d say. “Let me show you what they’re learning. I’m so proud of them.”

It is not an easy time to be in the field of education, but our rookie teachers’ dedication to their students and tenacity in making their classrooms a safe, welcoming space where every child learns and grows inspires us, and reminds us of the “why” that brought us here. 

We’re so happy they chose teaching as their vocation, and so proud to be their colleagues. 

2022 Rookie of the Year Finalists:

Winter Park Elementary - Samantha James, a third-grade teacher in her 3rd year

 

Forest Hills Global Elementary School - Melissa Daria, a kindergarten teacher in her 2nd year

 

Wrightsboro Elementary School - Brooke Russell, a kindergarten teacher in her 2nd year

 

Rachel Freeman School of Engineering - Meredith Cash, a fourth-grade teacher in her 2nd year

 

New Hanover High School - Shelby Yardley, an EC teacher in her 3rd year