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While the announcement, held under the guise of a proficiency banner presentation, came as a shock to Facciolini, students, administrators and Facciolini’s fellow teachers were anything but surprised.
All who spoke said Facciolini exemplified everything that a great teacher should be — attentive, engaging, persistent and passionate about education.
As Facciolini and others talked about the desire to keep improving Midway High School’s growing proficiency, Facciolini’s family took their seats behind the closed curtain on the school’s auditorium stage. When a school administrator came in with “breaking news” of Facciolini’s selection as top regional teacher, the curtains were drawn and the crowd on stage parted to a beaming Facciolini, face-to-face with family members there to give her first congratulations.
The crowd of students exploded in applause and Facciolini thanked them, saying that it was her pleasure to teach at Midway.
“Success does not always bring happiness, but happiness brings success,” said Facciolini, always known by students to have a quote for any occasion.
She said she loves what she does, and the success born out of it has arisen from that joy.
“This is probably one of the most exciting opportunities I’ve had,” the history teacher, who has taught the last three years at Midway, said later. “Most people come to work dreading it. I come to work and do something I love. I’ve been in such a wonderfully supportive school. Having this recognition is indescribable.”
Student after student came up to the stage and offered their thanks and congratulations to Facciolini, who was flanked by her husband, Mike, and their two children, Andrew, 9, and Ashlyn, 7. Numerous other family members were also present for the recognition.
“We’re just very proud of her,” said Facciolini’s mother Marsha Bissette. “She was called to be a teacher and being the oldest of three children, she got to be a teacher in a lot of ways.”
Sampson County Board of Education chairwoman Doris Warren said she has known Facciolini since she was a child. She knew her as both a great educator and person.
“I hope everyone here knows how wonderful Jennifer is as a teacher,” said Warren. “I know what a wonderful person she is as a Christian woman. You can always count on Jennifer to do better and do what she says she will do. She’s always been the same kind, gentle and loving person she is today, and she is a wonderful representative for Sampson County Schools.”
In a letter of recommendation, Sampson County Schools superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker detailed Facciolini’s attributes, and how she has helped to impact the teaching profession and the school system as a whole. He echoed those statements Thursday.
Facciolini brings a positive attitude, initiative, passion and enthusiasm into the classroom every day, Lenker said.
“Possessing an innate ability and desire to constantly meet the ever-changing needs of all students, she endeavors to redesign lesson plans, provide creative room arrangements and deliver a variety of instructional strategies,” Lenker stated of Facciolini. “Her natural rapport with students and the ability to connect with both colleagues and students contribute to Ms. Facciolini being a superior teacher. Using a captivating approach, her enthusiasm motivates listeners to quickly become involved, taking with them sparks of her passion.”
When the floor was opened up to any students who wished to offer a few words about Facciolini, several of those sparked individuals began to file out of their rows and walk toward the stage.
“Everybody said I would not pass,” said one student, “and I’m grateful she helped me through it.”
“I really enjoy having you as a teacher,” another student told Facciolini. “History has not been one of my strong subjects, but you make it fun.”
The schools superintendent said Facciolini’s willingness to embrace change, and encourage others to do the same, makes her a great candidate to represent North Carolina as its Teacher of the Year. If given that platform as ambassador for the state’s educators and students, Lenker stated, Facciolini could share her passion for teaching with people beyond Sampson County.
“As superintendent of Sampson County Schools, I greatly appreciate such an energetic teacher who is undoubtedly one of the most effective members of our faculty,” Lenker attested.
Jessica Garner, 2009-10 N.C. Teacher of the Year, has made several of the regional Teacher of the Year announcements for the Department of Instruction. And was there to announce Facciolini, who could be her successor.
The 2010-11 N.C. Teacher of the Year will be announced at a May 5 gala event.
Last May, Teachers of the Year were selected at individual schools in Sampson County. Those winning teachers then competed at the county level. Facciolini was selected at the top of each level before going on to receive top honor for the state’s Southeast Region, which encompasses all schools in Sampson (to include Clinton City) and 12 other counties, including Duplin, Wayne, Pender, Onslow, Lenoir, Greene, Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Pamlico, Jones and Carteret.
Garner said the regional achievement speaks for itself.
“Being recognized by peers and teachers, it means a lot,” said Garner. “She is in the top nine in the state as far as making a difference in her school. She is obviously one of the best.”
As students paraded from the audience to the stage to offer well-wishes and thanks Thursday, Facciolini soaked it all up and smiled upon each of her students.
“That’s the reward you have in teaching is making an impact on students, where they want to get up and tell others about it,” she said. “Recognition comes and goes, but when you can impact a student’s life, that lasts forever.”
Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@myclintonnc.com.
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