CARY, N.C. -- Ann Quarles, a 4^th grade teacher from Powell Elementary was named the Wake County 2008 Teacher of the Year.

 

More than 1,500 Wake teachers, principals, school administrators and elected officials gathered at Cary’s Embassy Suites to celebrate the achievement.

 

“Teachers are the driving force that launch our children in the right direction. You offer encouragement to each student to become the best they can,” said Rosa Gill, school board chair. “We recognize the depth and complexity of your role as a teacher as well as many of your accomplishments in fulfilling that role. On behalf of the board, thank you.”

 

“I am proud to announce the Teacher of the Year as Ann Quarles” said Del Burnes as the group gathered gave a standing ovation.

 

 “I am speechless. Teachers stand hand in hand with fellow colleagues. I couldn’t do it without them,” Quarles said of the honor.

 

Quarles has been teaching for seven years, the last two at Powell. She is a Teach for America alumna and has worked as a graduate teaching assistant and university supervisor at the University of Texas-Austin. She is active at her church, plays with the Raleigh Area Flute Association choir and volunteers with Urban Ministries.

 

 

 

The nine finalists were Belinda Best of Conn Elementary, Cynthia Clavijo of West Lake Elementary, Laura Ellen Cochrane of Highcroft Drive Elementary, Taela George-East of Sanderson High, Kimberly Jackson of Project Enlightenment, Danielle McCaslin of Bugg Elementary, Melinda Mouzzon of Knightdale High, Susan Pullium of East Wake School of Health Sciences and Susan Taylor of Panther Creek High.

 

Each finalist receives a $250 cash prize, travel cart of classroom/office supplies, $50 Angus Barn restaurant certificate, and an acrylic award.

 

All schools in Wake select one teacher among their staff to put in the running for the teacher of the year. Once elected, the teachers develop portfolios that include community involvement, philosophy of teaching, education issues and trends, and letters of support.

 

A selection committee narrowed the field of 154 teacher nominees to ten finalists who are interviewed by another committee. After portfolios are reviewed and each candidate is interviewed, the final selection is done by a secret ballot.

 

The nominees from each school receive a gift bag of supplies, a $50 Angus Barn restaurant certificate, and an acrylic award.