October 14, 2014
Megan Potter, ’11 MAEd READ graduate, was named the Beaufort County Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015
Mrs. Meredith Megan Potter Ormond, who teaches English at the Beaufort County Early College High School, was named Beaufort County’s Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015 during the annual banquet on Sept. 16. Megan taught at Greene Central High School for nine years and currently teaches English at the Beaufort County Early College High School. When asked about the award, she said, “Winning teacher of the year was certainly an honor. There is no shortage of amazing teachers in Beaufort County so it was humbling to be chosen by my colleagues and the interview board.”
In reflecting on her teaching career, she said that her success in the classroom is due to her supportive administrator and colleagues, a desire to try new teaching strategies and lifelong learning, and engagement in professional development. However, she explained that, “The most important piece is my students. Building relationships with them, creating a classroom culture where everyone feels safe and respected and wants to learn, and having high expectations that are clearly conveyed to students are all core beliefs in my teaching philosophy.”
Megan also described the impact of her undergraduate and graduate studies at ECU: “I never considered going anywhere other than ECU for my preparation as a teacher; I knew it was the best College of Education in the state. I was lucky to have amazing professors as an undergrad like Dr. Sundwall, Dr. Finley, Dr. Muller, and Dr. Wilenz who made me excited to learn about my content and provided me with sound strategies to use in the classroom. The fantastic Teaching Fellows program at ECU instilled in me professionalism and high standards.
My graduate degree in reading education pushed me out of my comfort zone and renewed my love for learning and teaching. I had professors like Dr. Swaggerty, Dr. Atkinson, and Dr. Griffith who were always willing to answer any question and discuss any topic. I felt lucky to work with these wonderful professors so closely and learned so much during my time as a graduate student. I feel like the depth and breadth of my pedagogical knowledge was increased tremendously during that time.”
(Pictured: Dr. Don Phipps, Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools; Megan Ormond, 2014-2015 BCS Teacher of the Year; Bubs Carson, 2014-2015 Principal of the Year; and Mark Doane, assistant superintendent of Beaufort County Schools at the annual banquet on Sept. 16.)