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By KC Smith

Cooleemee Correspondent

While standing on stage with nine other teachers representing schools in Davie County, Carmen Lawerence heard her name announced as the Davie County teacher of the Year.

With hands in the air she gave a big shout out to the faculty seated at her left because she was so happy for the school.

“I don’t know why they chose me. All teachers strive to be the best they can be, and I’m not saying I’m better than all the rest, but it truly is an honor.”.

In May, Lawerence was named teacher of the year for Cooleemee Elementary.      Lawerence has been a first grade teacher over the past nine years at Cooleemee.

Having a church family who gave her the opportunity to be involved in Bible school helped keep her desires of becoming a teacher strong.

In her classroom she strives to provide a variety of learning levels, to be respectful of disabilities while recognizing each student’s unique strengths and interests. Having each child experience a job or roll develops their self esteem and enforcing they are part of a team, she said.

Lawerence admits teaching is a balancing act. She isn’t the same teacher as she was nine years ago nor last year. Each year she strives to do more, be better, to grow and learn, and allow herself to learn from her own experiences.

Lawerence is excited about implementing a first grade improvement plan.  Teaching a first grader to recall a memory by drawing pictures then adding words to the pictures evolves into a sentence.  This concept is being used to all grade levels to make a difference in writing skills.

In the designated parking spot, Lawerence drives up in a new car provided by Flow Honda of Winston-Salem. It’s hers for a year.

Each teacher of the year in Davie County schools received $100 from Chris Sheppard Realty. A gold star showing her name is posted at her classroom door.      And each teacher of the year in Davie County Schools receives $595 from Davie County Community Foundation.

For the district teacher of the year, the foundation awarded Cooleemee $1,000.

“Anyone who works around children knows that children thrive off someone who listens to them, shows respect, sends encouragement, helps them and believes in them. These are the things that I strive to do for children everywhere, whether that be in the classroom, my church, or even in the community,” says Lawerence.

Congratulations Cooleemee School, you have the best.

Feel free to contact me at www.cooleemeenews@gmail.com, or call at 336.250.1133. I would love to hear from you.