Rookie Teacher of the Year

Sarah Joy Daniels believes math is fun even if it is not her students’ favorite subject. As a first-year teacher at Grimsley High, Daniels brings creativity and enthusiasm into her classroom by relating math problems to real life.

“I often relate math to real-world situations, such as buying food at the concession stand of the Homecoming football game, shopping at the mall and saving money from a part-time job,” Daniels said. “I have found that if students can relate to the problem, they are more willing to find the solution.”

For motivating her students in fresh and creative ways, the Guilford Education Alliance and Guilford County Schools named Daniels the Rookie Teacher of the Year on Wednesday. She also was named the Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Daniels’ dedication to her students and colleagues makes her an excellent choice for this honor,” said Anna Brady, Grimsley principal. “She has created a nurturing learning environment in which she helps her students master the content, and she celebrates their successes.”

One school official described Daniels’ approach as a teacher to that of a coach. In the classroom, she takes time to get to know her students and incorporates their interests into math problems on tests. She also recognizes that students have different learning styles, so she includes games, group work and technology into her lessons. As a faculty member at the school, Daniels is a team player. She spreads enthusiasm to veteran teachers as she shares her ideas for bringing relevance to the math curriculum.

Along with the Rookie Teacher of the Year honor, Daniels received $500 and a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Daniels was one of five finalists who were recognized for impressive accomplishments early in their teaching careers. Dorinda Carver, a teacher at Archer Elementary, received the Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year award and $500. Finalists Virginia Ann Elliott from Parkview Elementary, Robin Britt Jr. from Brown Summit Middle and Melissa Young from The Early College at Guilford each received $100. BB&T sponsored the awards.