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.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
Election Certification Confirms Orange County School Board Runoff in May for Moore and HauserJennifer Moore and Bonnie Hauser will appear on the runoff ballots on May 14, vying for a seat on Orange County Schools' Board of Education.
Hauser Submits Request for Run-Off Election Against Moore in Orange County Schools RaceBonnie Hauser is calling for a runoff election against Jennifer Moore if Moore's vote totals do not reach a threshold required by law.
Padilla Sworn Into Orange County School Board of Education; Purcell Re-Elected as ChairAfter a contentious election cycle this spring, the Orange County Schools Board of Education formally welcomed its new membership this week.
Orange County School Board Accepts Moore's Resignation During Monday MeetingJennifer Moore's departure from the Orange County Schools Board of Education was made official Monday with a vote to accept her resignation.
Slate of Doyle, Padilla and Moore Win Seats in Orange County Schools ElectionTwo incumbents and a newcomer are projected to win seats to the Orange County Schools Board of Education Tuesday night: Carrie Doyle, Jennifer Moore and Wendy Padilla.
2024 Candidate Introductions: Orange County Schools Board of EducationDuring this election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for local races representing Orange County. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their background in the community and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited […]
Orange County Commissioners Consider School Budget Requests Alongside Potential Federal Funding Cuts, Tax IncreasesThe Orange County Commissioners recently met with the CHCCS and OCS boards to review proposed budgets for the upcoming school year.
Orange County School Board Adopts Resolution Supporting Immigrant Families, StudentsOrange County's school board passed a resolution in favor of helping its immigrant families and students, the latest act of local support.
Board Receives Review of Proficiency and Growth at Orange County SchoolsThe Orange County Schools Board of Education meeting on Sept. 9 featured a review of the proficiency and growth scores for local schools on the North Carolina State Board of Education’s annual report, which was released a few days earlier. Of the 13 schools in the Orange County School District, three scored an overall SPG […]
Orange County Schools Names 2024-25 Teacher of the YearOrange County Schools named Pathways Elementary’s Teresa Rogers-Thorpe the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year on May 10.
›
