Diggs-Latham Art Teacher Named A+ Educator of the Year

Amanda Gordon, who teaches art of Diggs-Latham Elementary school, has been named the Gerry D. Howell A+ Educator of the Year. 

 "I was very surprised to be chosen as the Educator of the Year for the NC A+ Schools Program, Gordon said. “All teachers, especially the A+, Arts Teachers at my school work many hours and complete tasks behind the scenes, so it is always a joy when this work is noticed and awarded. 

“I am truly honored to receive the award, and while I am the individual named as the Gerri D. Howell Educator of the Year, the award reflects the integrity, strength, and dedication of the A+ Magnet Program at my school as a whole."

As the A+ Educator of the Year, Gordon will serve for one school year as an ambassador of the A+ Schools Program, speak at next year's spring leadership meeting and attend the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s Teacher Leadership Institute in Ocracoke with other N.C. Teachers of the Year. 

STAR3 is a Federal Teacher Incentive Fund grant awarded to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School District some years back, and, this year, Gordon’s Star3 leadership role was to serve as the A+ Arts Coordinator. One responsibility of that role was to serve as the N.C. A+ Program School Co-ordinator, and she attended meetings and training with other North Carolina A+ Schools. 

The award states that the great A+ educator:

Challenges, motivates and inspires students by supporting a learning environment that is art-filled, creative, relevant, engaging and reflective.

Is respected by peers, parents and students.

Is caring and creative, seeking to enrich the lives of all students.

Demonstrates a commitment to the arts, a collaborative spirit, leadership and flexibility.

Is dedicated to life-long learning.

This is the fifth year that the award, named to honor her legacy and philosophy of Howell, a long-time A+ Schools program executive director, has been given.

To be considered for the award, Gordon had to submit a resume, a letter of recommendation and a description of several successful and integrating projects along with photos and a first-person statement that explains my philosophy on A+ Essentials and what makes an outstanding A+ educator. Along with a plaque, Gordon received more than $250 worth of Crayola products.

You can read more about Gordon and the award at A+ Schools