Five local teachers are vying for the title of Clinton City Schools Teacher of the Year.

During the school board’s regular monthly meeting last week, administration announced the five candidates, all who underwent observations and interviews at the end of the week.

According to Faith Jackson, community liaison for Clinton City Schools, a team of three judges went into each of the schools and the nominees’ classrooms to decide who would be chosen to represent their individual school.

Nominated are Casey Avery of L.C. Kerr Elementary school, Elizabeth Bass of Butler Avenue School, Karen Wrench of Sunset Avenue School, Cathy Ammons of Sampson Middle School and Michael Ray of Clinton High School.

“While the judges were at the schools, the nominees went through an interview and observation by the panel of judges,” Jackson explained. “Prior to the visitation within the schools, the judges examined the nominees’ portfolios which had been created by the nominees. Contained within the portfolios were their teaching philosophies, goals, community involvements and personal background.”

Avery is a kindergarten teacher who has 12 years of teaching experience. She currently serves as chair and lead mentor. Avery says a quote by Arthur Ashe is what drivers her in the classroom.

Bass, a second grade teacher at Butler Avenue, has 12 years of teaching experience. She is currently the Reading Counts Trophy holder.

“The potential and opportunities that a guidance counselor saw in me at an early age, made a huge impact on my life and led me to develop a strong sense of pride and joy in helping children,” Bass said.

Wrench is an exceptional children’s teacher and has 18 years of teaching experience.

She says she believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, excel, and become independent productive citizens.

“The greatest contribution I can give is being a voice for children with disabilities,” Bass said.

Ammons, an academically and intellectually gifted teacher, has 27 years of teaching experience that includes specializing in academically and intellectually gifted children.

After reestablishing the school wide spelling bee, she also created the first afterschool spelling bee club.

Ray is the visual arts teacher at the high school and has 17 years of teaching experience. He introduced the idea of the art auction in 2002, which has grown into a successful community event.

According to Jackson, each of the selected school representatives will receive $2,000 for personal utilization and $500 for their classroom. This money comes from the Jack and Kitty Morrisey Fund. The winning teacher’s school will receive $2,000 for their use. All five teachers are competing for $3,500 and the title of Teacher of the Year.

The final announcement will be made in June during the year end assembly.

Clinton City Schools Teacher of the Year nominees are Casey Avery, L.C. Kerr; Elizabeth Bass, Butler Avenue; Karen Wrench, Sunset Avenue; Cathy Ammons, Sampson Middle; and Michael Ray, Clinton High. The selection will be announced at the closing ceremony at the end of the school year.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_CCS-TOY-2.jpgClinton City Schools Teacher of the Year nominees are Casey Avery, L.C. Kerr; Elizabeth Bass, Butler Avenue; Karen Wrench, Sunset Avenue; Cathy Ammons, Sampson Middle; and Michael Ray, Clinton High. The selection will be announced at the closing ceremony at the end of the school year.

By Kristy D. Carter

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