

TEACHER OF THE YEAR
For more than 50 years our nation has honored teachers with the National Teacher of the Year Program. The National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the ING Foundation, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Since 1970, North Carolina has participated in this program recognizing outstanding teachers.
2012-13 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Darcy Grimes, Teacher of the Year at Bethel Elementary School in Watauga County Schools is the 2012-13 North Carolina Teacher of the Year.
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2011-12 REGIONAL & DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
2011-12 Regional & District Teachers of the Year Booklet
(pdf, 2.9mb)
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Darcy Grimes
2012-13
Teacher of the Year
Northwest Region
Watauga County Schools
Bethel Elementary School
OVERVIEW
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
For more than 50 years our nation has honored teachers with the National Teacher of the Year Program. The National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the ING Foundation, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Since 1970, North Carolina has participated in this program recognizing outstanding teachers. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, along with its sponsors, administers the program at the state level.
In accordance with national guidelines, North Carolina chooses a candidate who is "dedicated and highly skilled, a candidate proven capable of inspiring students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn." Because the State Teacher of the Year will be asked to travel, speak on behalf of education and demonstrate master teaching skills, the candidate must be poised, articulate, and energetic in order to meet the demanding responsibilities.
The program recognizes teachers at the school, local, regional and statewide levels. After Individuals are chosen to represent their respective school as Teacher of the Year, they advance to compete at the local district level. Once that selection has been made, district Teachers of the Year vie for one-of-eight North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year honors. Simultaneously, representatives from the public charter schools are screened to determine the Charter School Teacher of the Year, and the charter school designee is the ninth finalist who moves to the final phase of the state selection process.
After a series of relevant screening activities, the State Teacher of the Year is chosen by a committee consisting of professional educators as well business and community leaders. The State Teacher of the Year and the other Regional Finalists form a collaborative network to provide ongoing professional development and support throughout the state on critical issues facing public education.
In the 40 years of the program in North Carolina, three State Teachers of the Year have become National winners. Four have become National Finalists and one has been inducted into the National Teachers' Hall of Fame. Fourteen North Carolina Teachers of the Year have taught at the elementary school level, eight at the middle or junior high school level and twenty-one at the high school level.


























