Many years ago, Jeana Carr began teaching young children in local classrooms. Her dedication led her to Sampson County Schools Central Office, where she became the director of elementary education for Sampson County Schools.
“I love the energy and enthusiasm that elementary children bring to the table,” Carr said. “Also, their minds are like little sponges that soak up all of the information.”
Jeana Carr was recently recognized as the regional Administrator of the Year for the North Carolina Association of Educational Professionals (NCAEOP). She earned the title locally and for District13, which also includes Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender counties.
“I was very surprised and honored,” Carr said. “I’ve been an administrator for quite a few years and it’s always a surprise when you’re recognized for the work that you do.”
After accepting the award, Carr referred to it as a team effort.
“I feel like it’s just not an award for me, but for our whole organization,” Carr said.
Next, Carr will compete at the state level for the top recognition in the state. But right now, she appreciates being recognized among many leaders in the region. She first questioned it and wondered if there was someone who deserved it more than her. But officials said she was worthy of the honor.
“It’s just part of my job and part of my make-up to do my work every day,” Carr said. “But to be recognized for it is very flattering as well.”
Carr has been with Sampson County Schools for 28 years. Twelve of those years were spent at the district’s central office as an administrator. Prior to working there, she was a teacher at Plain View and Hobbton elementary schools.
“It’s something that I always wanted to do,” Carr said. “I knew that I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in the second grade.”
She earned an undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a master’s in elementary education from Fayetteville State University. She later earned a master’s in school administration from the University of North Carolina Pembroke.
The Sampson County native grew up in Newton Grove and graduated from Hobbton High School. Carr said she had wonderful teachers who were role models too. That influenced her to pursue education.
“That really solidified that decision for me,” Carr said. “I knew that I wanted to be in education for a long time.”
As an administrator, Carr said the district is always working to improve reading, math and other subjects.
“Especially literacy,” Carr said. “We live in an area where we have a lot of transitory students that come back and forth. Sometimes gaps in languages are there. So anytime we can improve the literacy for all of our children, we’re improving it for that group as well.”
The NCAEOP was organized in 1951. Membership is available to office personnel and administrators in the education field. NCAEOP is made up 14 districts around the state.
