Nash County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Finalists

Nash County Public Schools will honor educators during next week’s National Teacher Appreciation Week. At a ceremony to be held Tuesday, the school district will award top educators from among 18 finalists in five categories: Teacher of the Year, Teacher Assistant of the Year, First-Year Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and Principal of the Year. The Telegram asked finalists to tell readers about themselves. Here is what they had to say:

Larry G. Black Jr.

SCHOOL: Nash Central Middle School

I TEACH: math and science

HOMETOWN: Windber, Penn.

EDUCATION: bachelor of science in kindergarten and elementary education, Pennsylvania State University

YEARS TEACHING: 24

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A TEACHER: I was inspired to become a teacher by my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. James Lashinsky. He was the first male teacher that I had, and he treated each student with love and respect. He taught us what we needed to know and made it fun. I have tried to model my classroom the same way that his was so that my students may feel love and respect and enjoy learning.

Jeremy Lee Bolding

SCHOOL: Rocky Mount High School

I TEACH: history

HOMETOWN: Burke County

EDUCATION: bachelor’s degrees in social studies education and history with a concentration in European studies, minor in political science, Western Carolina University

YEARS TEACHING: nine

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A TEACHER: I was inspired to become an educator while in high school. High school was a tumultuous time in my life consisting of multiple hardships and difficulties. I finished high school as one of the top students in my graduating class and graduated with a nearly full scholarship. I’d have never been able to accomplish this had it not been for the patience, guidance and sacrifice of teachers who went out of their way for students.

Lotoya Bullock

SCHOOL: J.W. Parker Middle School

I TEACH: seventh-grade social studies

HOMETOWN: Nashville

EDUCATION: bachelor of arts in education, N.C. A&T State University

YEARS TEACHING: 25

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A TEACHER: I had some great teachers and because of them I chose to become a teacher. They believed in me and pushed me to succeed. They gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself. No capes needed.

Percell Andrew Kelley

SCHOOL: G.R. Edwards Middle School

I TEACH: eighth-grade English language arts

HOMETOWN: Wilmington, Del.

EDUCATION: bachelor of arts in English literature from N.C. Central University; master of arts in reading education, East Carolina University

YEARS TEACHING: 25

THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT TEACHING: watching students grow, mature and realize their potential.

Amanda Faye Thomas

SCHOOL: Englewood Elementary School

I TEACH: fifth-grade science

HOMETOWN: Nakina

EDUCATION: bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

YEARS TEACHING: five

STUDENTS REMEMBER ME AS THE TEACHER WHO: gets involved. I will stand up and sing the water cycle song, no matter how silly I look. I will go to games or concerts after school to watch your after-school activity. I will also go down the bounce house slide while nine months pregnant to get my class excited for field day. My kids know I will show up for them because I care about them.

Jasmine Wilson

SCHOOL: Nash Rocky Mount Early College

I TEACH: chemistry, AVID and Peer Group Connection

HOMETOWN: Cedar Point in Carteret County

EDUCATION: bachelor of science in biomedical sciences, N.C. Wesleyan University; pursuing a master’s in school administration from Gardner Webb University.

YEARS TEACHING: seven

MY CLASSROOM MOTTO IS: I believe every student can learn. As an educator, I strive to provide equitable opportunities for all students so that they have the chance to be successful and grow.