Davie County Schools District Teacher of the Year Carmen Lawrence. 

While standing on stage with nine other teachers representing schools in Davie County, Carmen Lawrence heard her name announced as Davie County District Teacher of the Year. With hands in the air, she gave a big shout-out to the faculty seated to her left because she was so happy for the school.

 “I don’t know why they chose me. All teachers strive to be the best they can be, and I’m not saying I’m better than all the rest, but it truly is an honor,” said Lawrence.

 In May of this year, Lawrence was awarded teacher of the year for Cooleemee School. She has been a first-grade teacher at Cooleemee School for the past six years. 

 Having a church family who gave her the opportunity to be involved in bible school helped keep her desire to become a teacher strong.

 In her classroom, she strives to provide a variety of learning levels and to respect different disabilities while recognizing their unique strengths and interests. Having each child experience a job or role develops their self-esteem and reinforces their sense of belonging to a team.

Lawrence admits teaching is a balancing act.  She isn’t the same teacher as she was nine years ago or last year.  Each year, she strives to do more, be better, grow and learn, and allow herself to learn from her own experiences. She is excited about implementing a first-grade improvement plan. Teaching a first grader to recall a memory by drawing pictures and then adding words to the pictures evolves into a sentence.  This simple concept is being used by all grade levels to make a difference in writing skills.

In the designated parking spot, Lawerence pulls in a new car provided by Flow Honda of Winston Salem, which she will drive for a full year. 

Each teacher of the year in Davie County schools received $100 from Chris Sheppard Reality.  A gold star showing her name is posted at her classroom door.

 Each teacher of the year in Davie County Schools received $595 dollars from the Davie Community Foundation. For the district teacher of the year, Davie Community Foundation awarded Cooleemee School $1000 dollars.

 “Anyone who works around children knows that children thrive off someone who listens to them, shows respect, sends encouragement, helps them, and believes in them. These are the things that I strive to do for children everywhere, whether that be in the classroom, my church, or even in the community,” says Lawerence.

 Congratulations Cooleemee School, you have the best.

 Feel free to contact me at cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call at 336.250.1133. I would love to hear from you.