Gatlin named NC North Central Region Teacher of the Year
March 8, 2004 - Johnny Gatlin, an environmental sciences teacher at Middle Creek High School, was today named the 2003-2004 North Central Region Teacher of the Year. Gatlin is one of the eight regional winners from across North Carolina who will now compete for the North Carolina State of the Year.
 Teacher Johnny Gatlin congratulated for being named NC North Central Region Teacher of the Year. |
Dan Holloman of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, WCPSS Superintendent Bill McNeal and Wake County Board of Education chair Susan Parry recognized Gatlin at Middle Creek High this morning.
"At a time when we have committed ourselves to help all students achieve, Johnny has made that a personal mission. He passes his love of learning on to all of his students," Superintendent McNeal said. "Johnny exemplifies the high quality teacher that we want to inspire each of our students to achieve academic success."
McNeal presented Gatlin with a Palm Pilot as a gift to keep track of his busier schedule the honor will bring. Assistant Superintendent Maurice Boswell read a letter from Congressman David Price commending Gatlin for his hard work and congratulating him for this new recognition. Parry remembered meeting Gatlin in his inteviews for Wake County Teacher of the Year.
"It was clear Johnny Gatlin was the model of what we want in our classrooms - quality teachers," Parry said. "Congratulations from the nine members of the school board. We are sure you will make it to the top."
Gatlin thanked his parents, Middle Creek High educators and the Wake County school community for the support he's received. He said his teachers from elementary school to college inspired his career in the classroom, a job that he loves. He also thanked his students who he said made every day at school worthwhile.
Gatlin, Wake County's Teacher of the Year, was among 120 teachers across the state who submitted a portfolio and participated in an interview process. Gatlin was one of two North Central regional finalists who were observed in the classroom by a regional selection team before being selected for this honor.
Gatlin will receive a $5,000 award from the state for duties he will be asked to perform during the 2004-2005 school year. In addition, Gatlin is now a member of the 2004-2005 State Teacher of the Year Team that serves on various state and regional committees including State Superintendent Mike Ward's Teacher Advisory Council. Gatlin will work with the 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year Team in planning a Teacher of the Year Symposium/Celebration that will honor the 2004-2005 Teachers of the Year.
The state winner is announced at a formal awards ceremony on May 4, sponsored by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers association. The association will present the new State Teacher of the Year with a new automobile for his/her personal use.
Gatlin was named Wake County Teacher of the Year in May 2003. He joined the faculty to open the new Middle Creek High last year. He has been teaching for nine years. Kim Hughes was the last Wake County teacher to be named North Central Region Teacher of the Year. Hughes went on to be named North Carolina's 1999-2000 Teacher of the Year.
The North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program is one of the recruitment/retention initiatives managed by the Center for Recruitment and Retention at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Johnny Gatlin - Wake County Teacher of the Year
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