Board Honors Outgoing GCAE President

Mark Jewell forged stronger ties between GCAE and the district’s administration

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 6/25/2009 9:52:03 PM

In his five years as president of the Guilford County Association of Educators (GCAE), Mark Jewell took the teacher group to new heights. He helped increase membership by 1,000, led the efforts to enact a progressive anti-discrimination ordinance and developed a more collegial relationship with the district’s top administrators, board members and parent leaders.

At its meeting Thursday, the Guilford County Board of Education honored Jewell, who steps down as GCAE president next week, for his service to GCAE and the district.

“Mark Jewell has been a tremendous asset to the district,” said Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “He has a passion for the teaching profession, for the education of young people and for this school district. During the time I have been superintendent, I have witnessed how he has helped build stronger relationships between GCAE, board members, the district’s administration and parents. He recognizes that in order for children to reach their full potential we all have to work together. I am honored to have worked with Mark.”

Tijuana B. Hayes takes over as GCAE president on July 1. She served under Jewell as vice president. “Mark Jewell has never confused his schedule with his purpose, which is promoting public education by advocating on behalf of the students and staff of Guilford County Schools,” Hayes said. “We wish him much success in his next endeavor.”

Jewell, who dreamed of becoming a teacher in the first grade, came to Guilford County Schools (GCS) from his native West Virginia 12 years ago. He worked as a fifth-grade teacher at Oak Hill Elementary and later at Murphey Traditional Academy. He was named teacher of the year at both schools.

Before coming to GCS, he was a teacher in West Virginia for 10 years. It was as a rookie elementary school teacher in West Virginia that he first took an interest in teacher associations. Within three years he became president of the teacher group in the West Virginia county school district where he worked. Working with teachers continues to be a passion of Jewell’s. During his tenure as president, membership increased to approximately 4,000. GCAE is now the second largest teacher organization in the state and one of the nation’s 40 largest affiliates of the National Education Association.

Being GCAE president “has been five years of personal and professional development for me,” Jewell said. “It’s helped me to look through so many different lenses. It’s helped me to step outside of the silo, which is what we are encouraging all teachers to do – step outside and let the knowledge flow.”

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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.