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Apple Valley math teacher named a finalist for NC teacher of the year

Shanice Hill

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 17, 2020

Shanice Hill, a 6th grade math teacher at Apple Valley Middle School, has been named a state finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching 2020 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.
 
The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor beginning teachers and to retain teachers who show promise as excellent teachers and education leaders in North Carolina public schools and public charter schools. 
 

"As we all know, challenges abound for any educator at the onset of their teaching career," said Jan King, the Henderson County school system's assistant superintendent for instructional services."Navigating the routine challenges of a first year teacher in the midst of a global pandemic makes Shanice Hill's recognition even more impressive and meaningful. We are so proud and grateful that Ms. Hill chose the education profession, and returned home to teach in the very district where she was once a student."

 
Hill's principal, Katelyn Davis, said: "Ms. Hill is a product of the community she teaches. She went to Apple Valley Middle School and currently is a peer to several of her own teachers. She reminds the students of their potential and tells them how far they can go in life. She never lets them forget how special they are and how proud they should be to be an Apple Valley Knight. Ms. Hill embodies not only what I want in all my teachers here at Apple Valley to be, but what I want for all my students to become – a selfless young adult who sees their worth and realizes their potential and inspires potential in others."
 

Twenty-seven teachers from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the NCCAT award in honor of their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to achieve. One of them will be named the 2020 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year on April 15 at NCCAT's Cullowhee campus.

"We appreciate the enthusiastic response from all over the state for the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award," NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble said. "These finalists provide a snapshot of the lasting impact great teachers have on our students from the first to the last day they step into a North Carolina public school. We are excited about this opportunity to honor teachers for the important work they do in our state."

The award winner receives a $5,000 cash prize, Participation in a GoGlobal NC trip and instructional supply funds for the teacher's school. The runner-up receives a $2,000 cash prize. All finalists receive travel expenses to participate in NCCAT professional development and leadership development.