Katie Austin, AVID Teacher at Northern Middle School was named Person County Schools’ Teacher of the Year at the PCS Convocation/Learning Conference on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Austin follows Debranya Brower, Behavior Intervention and Community Engagement Specialist at South Elementary, in receiving this prestigious honor. She has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina Central University. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Austin serves on the School Improvement Team, the AVID Site Team, Teacher Advisory Council,and is the Book Club Advisor. Katie taught kindergarten and first grade at South Elementary School, English as a Second Language at Stories Creek Elementary, and this is her third year at Northern Middle School.
Katie shared, “I am so excited to represent Person County Schools as the Teacher of the Year. I am so fortunate to work with so many amazing educators. Education has become increasingly difficult, but the work we do is so important! I also know that we can find joy in doing that work. I am so excited to share my joy with you all this year!”
Mrs. Ashley Warren, former principal of Northern Middle School, stated, “What Mrs. Austin does in her classroom is incredible; but it is what she does for the school as a whole that is magical. Relationships are the cornerstone of a successful educator. Mrs. Austin forms relationships with the students at NMS that are built on accountability, honesty, and a genuine love and desire to see the best in all. It is important for middle school students to have an adult they feel safe going to; whether it be for advice, a hug, help with a class, or even a cell phone charger. Mrs. Austin's door and heart are always open. We couldn’t be more excited that Mrs. Austin is representing PCS as the Teacher of the Year.”
School-level winners were nominated by their peers and had to meet the criteria set forth according to state guidelines. Also nominated were: Erica Hatcher at Helena Elementary School, Lisa Harris at North Elementary School, Madeline Benjamin at North End Elementary School, Kimberly Solomon at Oak Lane Elementary School, Jodi Ann Henry-Panther at South Elementary School, Katy Watson at Stories Creek Elementary School, Angela Hungate formerly at Woodland Elementary School, Kimberly Hargrove formerly at Southern Middle School, Jay Carmichael at Person High School, and Elizabeth Everidge at Person County Schools Virtual Academy.