TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Lara Howard is Lee Early College’s Teacher of the Year
Lee Early College rookie, Lara Howard, has been selected as Teacher of the Year, 2008-09. Howard tied with Biology teacher (and soon-to-be- first-time mother) Jenny Maczo and seasoned English teacher Cindy Wilson, both first year LEC teachers.
“The best experience of my teaching career is being selected by my students to receive this honor,” Howard said. “It is rewarding for my students to acknowledge my passion and commitment.”
Howard is a Lee County High School graduate, obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education and secured her masters in Education from Campbell University. She is in her fifth year of teaching; this is her first year at LEC. She previously ruled classrooms at Pinecrest and Lee Senior High Schools. She then took a three year hiatus to be an admission counselor for Central Carolina Community College.
“My philosophy of education centers on personalization; students must believe that you care for them before they will commit to you and your class,” Howard said. “I also believe in giving students the opportunity to apply knowledge through projects and real-world applications. History does not have to be boring.”
LEC faculty recommended the election process be student lead and decided. Therefore, the nomination committee, advised by non-veted teachers, consisted of student representatives who were elected by their Avid and Graduation Project classmates. Committee members polled their peers to see “what makes a good teacher.” This information was used to develop a seven item rubric that ran a 2-4 point scale. The criteria consisted of: respect among peers and students, passion for teaching and positive attitudes towards students and teachers.
Qualified teacher of the year candidates must possess a SP2 license, be employed full time and spend a minimum of 70 percent of their time in direct instruction of North Carolina public students; LEC had seven teachers who met these qualifications.
Ironically, LEC’s 2007-08 Teacher of the Year was John Howard, Lara’s father; must be something in the genes.