Described as an emerging rockstar of the teaching profession, Haley S. Staton, an Exceptional Children teacher at Edneyville Elementary School, is Henderson County Public Schools’ (HCPS) nominee for the 2022 NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Beginning Teacher of the Year recognition.
A homegrown educator who grew up in the HCPS district, Staton was surprised Thursday, when Superintendent Dr. John Bryant and other members of the District’s leadership team joined Edneyville principal Dr. Marsha Justice to deliver the honor.
Upon hearing the news that she had been selected as the HCPS 2021-2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year, Staton said, “My school community here at Edneyville has shown me so much love and support, and for them, I am so thankful. I am honored to be Henderson County Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year and I look forward to many more fun-filled years here in Henderson County!”
In speaking about Staton’s enthusiasm and love for the teaching profession, Justice said, “Ms. Staton has high expectations for all of her students and she differentiates learning support for each of them. She provides a welcoming, respectful classroom that is conducive to learning.”
Dr. Jennifer Shelton, HCPS Director of Exceptional Children, said, “Ms. Staton’s classroom is structured and engaging with a strong sense of community that she builds with her students and staff. Her willingness to do whatever it takes to support her students is evident in all she does. She is focused on helping her students reach the high expectations she sets for each of them.”
Justice added, “(Staton) evidences leadership habits in her professional and personal life. I would hire 100 Haley Statons if I could – she is a ROCKSTAR!”
A graduate of West Henderson High School, Staton said HCPS has always held a special place in her heart, first as a student and now as an educator.
“I love getting to come to work every day and celebrate my students’ victories, both big and small,” she said.
Developed in 2019 by the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), the “North Carolina Prudential Beginning Teacher of the Year” award honors beginning teachers and aims to retain educators who show promise as excellent education leaders in North Carolina public schools. Principals from each of HCPS’ 23 schools nominate beginning teachers, and the Curriculum and Instruction staff select the overall district winner along with input from other stakeholders with knowledge of the various nominees’ work performance.
Staton, along with 26 other regional finalists for the 2022 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year award, will next attend a celebration and week of Teacher Leadership at NCCAT’s Cullowhee campus from Feb. 14-18, 2022. The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Selection Committee will review portfolios and interview all of the finalists.
The 2022 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a celebration event on February 17, 2022.
The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year receives a $5,000 cash prize, participation in a GoGlobal NC trip, instructional supply funds for the teacher’s school, and a diamond bracelet from Diamonds Direct. The runner-up will receive a $2,000 cash prize and all finalists receive travel expenses to participate in NCCAT professional development and leadership development.
Staton earned her Bachelor’s of Arts and her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Special Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is engaged to be married in October.
Prepared by Henderson County Public Schools.