Orange County Schools named Pathways Elementary’s Teresa Rogers-Thorpe the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year for her belief that every student has a gift to be nurtured and cultivated. 

The Board of Education presented the award in a meeting on May 20, and other finalists included Cedar Ridge High School’s Laura Isenhour and Orange High School’s Andromeda Crowell. The district formally announced the decision in a statement on May 10. 

“I accept this award on behalf of all the teachers who have worked or continued to work tirelessly, but they haven’t received the recognition they deserve,” Thorpe said. 

A National Board Certified Teacher, Thorpe has served the district for 31 years and Pathways for 23 years, and she describes her teaching philosophy as one that evolves over time. Kristin Mattison-Williams, the school’s principal, said Thorpe embodies the qualities of a “lifelong learner.”

“I have consistently been impressed by her unwavering dedication, passion and commitment to fostering her students’ academic and social growth and her capacity and willingness to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with her colleagues,” she wrote in a recommendation for Thorpe. 

A release from the school district commended her ability to relate to students and families, her innovation to grow student proficiency, and her long-standing commitment to improve the profession. 

Thorpe earned a Bachelor of Science in K-6 Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and has taught at Orange County Schools for 31 years. At Pathways, she’s spearheaded culture-defining school traditions like Grandparents Day and an annual Rosa Parks student theater and musical performance. 

Thorpe now has the opportunity to compete for Teacher of the Year at the regional and state level.

To view the full meeting where Thorpe was announced, click here.

 

Photo via Orange County Schools. 

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