Buncombe County Schools leaders make surprise classroom visits to name district Teachers of the Year

Superintendent Rob Jackson and other Buncombe County Schools leaders made surprise visits to several campuses on the same day to present district Teacher of the Year honors to classroom educators across the county.

At each stop Jackson and assistant leaders announced a district winner and invited colleagues and students to describe why that teacher was chosen. “When I think of Ms. Shreve, the word that comes to me is caring,” said Ms. Austin, introducing the At-Large District Teacher of the Year, adding that Shreve builds relationships, supports students’ goals beyond school and keeps connections with learners. A student present said, “She’s the best teacher I ever had,” and Shreve told the group she felt “flattered and completely shocked” to be selected and credited colleagues across the district.

At Erwin High School the district winner, Mr. Wooten, was praised by colleague Mr. Wheless for stepping in to drive a bus when needed and for learning conversational Spanish “so that he could better communicate with some of his students.” Students praised Wooten’s ability to make math understandable and his supportive presence in and out of the classroom.

The Enka District’s winner, Ms. Davis, was named to represent that district in the systemwide Teacher of the Year competition; colleagues said she is student-centered and leads work to strengthen instruction and belonging. Robertson District’s Ms. Goodwin was recognized for high expectations and relationship-building.

Jackson introduced Reynolds District honoree Ms. Kearney with guests Mr. Carney and Mr. Fusco noting her daily work to support students. At Owen, Sergeant Garland was recognized for leadership roles on the school improvement team and the safety committee, and Principal Rookey called Garland an “amazing teacher and amazing teacher leader.”

Dr. Jamie Johnson announced North Buncombe’s winner, Mrs. Hintz, highlighting her choral leadership and role as PBIS chair; Hintz said she was “shocked and extremely humbled” and honored to represent her district.

The visits were framed as countywide recognition of classroom teaching and school leadership. No formal votes or board actions were taken during the visits; the event consisted of in-classroom presentations, remarks from colleagues, and brief student comments.

For the districtwide Teacher of the Year competition the transcript indicates district winners will represent their districts but does not provide details about the selection process or timeline for the county-level award.