Carver Elementary School recognized Eileen Emerson as the Teacher of the Year on March 11. Emerson has been teaching 4th grade for eight years at the school.
"It’s an honor to work here," she said. "I’m shocked, we have so many fantastic teachers here. Really and truthfully, thank you so much. This is a fabulous school with a fabulous faculty and administration."
Carver Assistant Principal Crystal Morales said the top four candidates were Mary Matthews, Pam Walker, Christy Crowley and Emerson.
"All of these women are very worthy, wonderful candidates," Morales said.
Crowley was the Teacher of the Year runner-up.
"Christy, you were my choice," Emerson told her during the ceremony. "So if I hadn’t won, I couldn’t have been happier."Morales described Emerson as a great teacher with a dry sense of humor.
"She’s very good at whatever she does, however often she does it. I’m very proud to say she works at Carver Elementary," Morales said.
Emerson said everyone in the school district is very supportive, which makes being a teacher so enjoyable.
"I try to reach all the students, even those that can sometimes be tough to reach," she said. "I make the effort and try not to ever forget anyone. I also try to work with the parents so they’re more involved and know how their children are doing in school."
See video of the Teacher of the Year announcement at www.bryancountynews.net.
-by Jessica Holthaus