KCS Teacher Courtney Jenkins Receives Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award

Courtney Jenkins is an encouraging and passionate science teacher at Kannapolis Middle School and the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for November.

Courtney makes her class interesting and exciting so students enjoy learning. One of her current seventh grade students gave her high praise: “The best part of Mrs. Jenkins teaching is that she really likes science! We learn a lot. She answers my questions, and she really makes it interesting.” This has made the student’s transition to middle school much easier. The student's mom commended Courtney for the way she greeted her son in such a welcoming way from their first meeting at open house. The student was immediately comfortable and felt confident coming to middle school on the first day.

Courtney is always there to make sure her students have a safe and caring learning environment, and she takes time to address any concerns they have. She also communicates well with parents, which creates a support team that helps her students learn and grow.

Congratulations Courtney and thank you for going above and beyond for our children. Hilbish Ford proudly sponsors Kannapolis City Schools' teacher recognition program. Each month, a nominated teacher receives $300 from Hilbish Ford as well as recognition at that month's Board of Education meeting.

Click here to nominate a KCS teacher for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.

Colleen Barrese Shines as our KCS Teacher of the Month

Colleen Barrese is a dedicated and compassionate third grade teacher at Jackson Park Elementary School. She believes that her students should have a stable, loving, and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature. It is important to Colleen that each of her students has a voice and is heard. Colleen not only plans individual learning that best meets the needs of each student in her class, but she also recognizes and celebrates the growth of every student. One parent said, “She knows how to motivate them, what makes them tick, and how to get them to fall in love with learning.”

Colleen integrates fun and practical lessons in her classroom to get her students excited about learning.  For example, she turns a simple cup lid into a force and motion experiment or designs a garden while studying area and perimeter and then actually has the garden built. You can often walk by her classroom windows and see math problems written in dry erase marker. These are just a few examples of why Colleen’s students love being in her class and love going to school.

We are excited recognize Colleen as an exceptional teacher and proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Month. Congratulations Colleen!

Click to Nominate A Kannapolis City Schools' Teacher for our Teacher of the Month Award

KCS Kindergarten Teacher, Deanna Shue, Receives Hilbish Ford's Teacher of the Month Award

Deanna Shue, Kindergarten Teacher, Jackson Park Elementary School
   

Deanna Shue is a loving and passionate kindergarten teacher at Jackson Park Elementary School. She loves every single student and it shows. Deanna spends quality time with each student and teaches them in a way they will learn. She understands that every child can learn in their own way. One parent praised Deanna for not only teaching her students reading, writing and math, but for giving them a safe learning environment where they gain self confidence. Another parent stated that Deanna was “placed on earth to teach and influence kids”. The parent also said, “She doesn’t just teach for a job, it’s a passion and gift”. This parent had Deanna as a first grade teacher 20 years ago and she was thrilled that her daughter was in Deanna’s kindergarten class.

We are extremely proud that Deanna is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are and delighted to have Tim Vaughn, General Manager at Hilbish Ford, present her with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.  Congratulations!