Veteran Teacher Honored for Supporting Rookie

Teacher from Northern Middle Named Dr. Martha A. Sharpless Mentor of the Year

Contact: Jennifer Landes (336) 370-8353
Created: 5/12/2009 6:43:31 PM

Starting a new school year can be a nervous time for a student, but first-year teachers also can experience the same feeling. To ease the transition for beginning teachers, veteran educators throughout the district serve an important and necessary role as mentors.

These experienced teachers assist with lesson plans, classroom management and teaching strategies, while helping rookie teachers become acclimated to their new environment.

Stephen Lee, a technology education teacher at Northern Middle, was named the 2009 Dr. Martha A. Sharpless Mentor of the Year. His experience, patience and constructive criticism gave his mentee, Dorand Blackston, the confidence to lead a successful classroom.

Since both are education technology teachers, Lee was able to give him advice throughout the school year on everything from setting up his classroom to keeping organized for their 12 classes and more than 300 students. “Mr. Lee is the most organized person I know,” said Blackston. From the beginning, he made me feel welcome and always made it easy for me to ask questions throughout the year.”

Lee received $1,000 for winning the award, while the remaining four finalists received $100 each. The finalists included: Cathy Danford from Parkview Elementary, Lou Ann Gaffney from Jones Elementary, Julie Nichols from Southwest High and Frances Szafran from Southern High.

The award is made possible by the Endowment for Excellence in Education of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Dr. Martha A. Sharpless, a retired developmental pediatrician, was a tireless advocate for children and their families in Guilford County.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.