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I-SS selects Efird as system's top educator
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Published: July 7, 2009
Harry Efird has only been teaching at the Visual and Performing Arts Center Early College for one year.
But he's made quite an impression on students, faculty and Iredell-Statesville Schools' administrators during his eight years with the school district.
Efird, who teaches English and coaches two sports, was recently named the I-SS teacher of the year for 2009-10.
Efird's enthusiasm and passion for teaching made him worthy of the recognition, VPAC Principal Lisa Miller said.
"Harry is a delight to work with and is an inspiration to other staff members," she said.
All 35 I-SS schools selected a teacher of the year who was nominated for the districtwide award.
Each nominee submitted a portfolio containing teaching philosophy, biographical information, current educational issues and trends, future of education and accountability.
An I-SS committee whittled the nominee pool to five finalists before selecting Efird as teacher of the year.
"I was very surprised and somewhat taken aback," Efird said.
"I've worked with a lot of good teachers," he said. "How did I get this when there are so many good veteran teachers out there?"
Bill Long, director of recruitment and retention for I-SS, said Efird is a down-to-earth person and a student-focused teacher.
"He's a very good person who relates well to kids," Long said. "He has a unique way to ensure he gets the most out of kids as far as their performance."
As I-SS teacher of the year, Efird will speak at various engagements, assist with some recruitment, and participate in a teacher working conditions forum. He will also be considered in a regional teacher of the year competition this fall.
Efird plans to use his new platform to educate the community on VPAC and the educational options available to families in the community.
Before moving to VPAC, Efird taught at Statesville High School for seven years.
He is very involved in students' lives outside of the classroom.
In addition to teaching English to all high school grade levels, he coaches cross country and swimming.
Prior to coming to I-SS, Efird taught at West Mecklenburg High School for five years.
While he enjoys many aspects of teaching, the best part of his job is seeing students go from "being resistant to reading and writing to finding things they like about it."
"I enjoy seeing kids be successful at things they never thought they'd be successful with," he said.
Additional Info.
Reagan Stillerman of Union Grove Elementary and Tim Hoffman of Lake Norman High were runner ups. They received the Wachovia Outstanding Educator Award.
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