DPS Teacher of the Year advances to finalist for state title
March 4, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Calvin Dobbins, Associate Superintendent Instructional Services, 560-3736
DURHAM--Anitra Williams, a third-grade teacher at Holt Year-Round Elementary School, has been selected as the 2003-2004 North Central Region Teacher of the Year.
The North Central Region comprises 13 counties, including Wake, Franklin, Wilson and Nash-Rocky Mount. Ms. Williams is one of eight regional finalists for the North Carolina Teacher of the Year, who will be named at a black-tie event sponsored by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association on April 29 in Cary.
A teacher at Holt since 1993, Ms. Williams was named Teacher of the Year for Durham Public Schools in fall 2002.
"Instilling in my students a healthy, 'can-do' attitude and inspiring in them a love for life-long learning are essential to their success," said Williams. "Molding the minds of our future society is a profound responsibility."
Ms. Williams submitted a portfolio, competed in an interview process with other local Teachers of the Year, and was observed in the classroom by a regional team of judges before being selected for this honor. As North Central Region Teacher of the Year, she will receive a $5,000 stipend. Durham Public Schools now boasts two educators who are finalists for being recognized as tops in the state. Jordan High School Principal Rodney Nelson was named North Central Region Principal of the Year last month.
"We congratulate Anitra Williams on being named a finalist for state Teacher of the Year," said Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger. "Ms. Williams' obvious devotion to her students and her deep commitment to their achievement are an inspiration for anyone who serves in the classroom."
