ECSU awards area teachers of the year

Kesha Williams
December 04, 2014

Elizabeth City State University recently welcomed area Teachers of the Year to the campus for the American Education Week Assembly. Dr. Joe Davis, superintendent of the Washington County Schools, was the guest speaker for the assembly. He congratulated the teachers, principals and superintendents who attended the assembly for their dedication to education. Davis reflected on the theme for the weeklong observance, &quotGreat Public Schools-a Basic Right and our Responsibility: learning matters around the world!&quot Davis declared a great education is also a civil right. As a result, Davis said the state is continuously challenged to ensure all students have access to a free appropriate public education. Public schools must prepare students for the challenges they will face after graduation. That goal must be met, he said, despite limited resources, changes in legislation and the location of public schools. Davis advised the educators in the audience to become equity warriors-competent and effective leaders who work daily to create powerful, professional learning systems. Davis described effective teachers as smart and people who know their content deeply yet are prepared to meet the needs of various students. &quotEffective classroom teachers teach their content in different and innovative ways because not all students learn the same way. Great teachers know when their students &quotgot it&quot and when they haven’t. Most importantly, they know what to do next in both instances,&quot Davis said. &quotTeachers, know the power you hold in your hands is sacred. You have a Moses responsibility, to lead all your people black, white, red or brown, to the promised land. Teach as if your life depends on it.&quot He closed the speech by congratulating the ECSU Department of Education and Psychology and the international week committee for celebrating education. Later, he shook hands with teachers of the year who received awards on stage of the Floyd L Robinson Auditorium in recognition of teacher excellence. Standing left to right on the front row: Dr. Margaret Young, an ECSU Departmental Teacher of the Year India Martin from N. Hampton County Dr. Kimberly Fitchett-Bazemore, ECSU Dr. Eyualem Abebe, ECSU Dr. Krishna Kulkarni, ECSU, Angela Mizelle, Bertie County Debra Rook of Edenton-Chowan Schools, Rae Ann Daughtry, Martin County Schools Jennifer Friend, Halifax County Schools.