On Tuesday, Ashe County Schools announced Michelle Lemly as its Teacher of the Year, and Pam Cole as its Inaugural Teacher Assistant of the Year, for 2012-2013.
Lemly, a second grade teacher at Westwood Elementary for the past seven years, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University.
A fourth generation teacher, Lemly said she was hooked on teaching from the first time she assisted a younger relative learn to read and, later, master multiplication. Lemly places an emphasis on literacy, and uses every resource at her disposal to ensure the written word comes alive for her students, and sets high expectations for every student in the belief that all children can learn.
“I take great pride in the lifelong bonds I share with former students,” said Lemly, “and the role I have played in encouraging previous students, interns, and student teachers to enter the teaching profession.”
Each spring, Ashe County Schools select a Teacher of the Year to represent faculty and staff during the following school year. Lemly was chosen from among each school’s Teacher of the Year based on a portfolio entry and a formal interview.
For 2012-2013, the Ashe County High School Teacher of the Year is Christy Rivers, an English teacher. Jody Holleman, a language arts and social studies teacher, was Ashe County Middle School’s selection. Tonya Blevins, an exceptional children’s teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary, and Lori Hensley, a third grade teacher at Mountain View Elementary, were each chosen as their schools Teacher of the Year.
Lemly is eligible to compete in the Northwest North Carolina Teacher of the Year competition in September.
“Ashe County Schools is fortunate to have effective, highly qualified teachers who deliver instruction with passion and prepare our children to succeed,” read a press release issued by Ashe County Schools.
Cole, an exceptional childrens’ teacher assistant at Westwood Elementary, has worked with Ashe County’s children for a decade and said she still gets excited as she pulls into the parking lot each day. “It thrills me to see the success and accomplishments the children achieve.”
“Ashe County Schools is thrilled to announce, for the first time, the Ashe County Schools Teacher Assistant of the Year,” read a press release issued by Ashe County Schools. “Teacher assistants play a vital role in the education of Ashe County students, and we value their dedication and on-going service to our schools. These paraprofessionals provide instructional support and clerical assistance for the classroom teacher daily. They are constantly in motion from the time they arrive until they leave.”
To be eligible for the honor, teacher assistants must have been employed as a teacher assistant with Ashe County Schools for a minimum of three years, must be a team team player and exemplify collaboration and a willingness to be flexible and understanding, provide a source of positive and enthusiastic energy in the classroom, and must exhibit compassion toward students.
Each school nominated its Teacher Assistant of the Year to represent their colleagues during the 2012-2013 year. Cole joined Tammy Woods from Ashe County High School, Ann Combs from Ashe County Middle School, Mary Graybeal from Blue Ridge Elementary School, and Joyce McNeil from Mountain View Elementary.
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