Outstanding Educators Honored; Wake Teachers Earn Statewide Accolades
January 23, 2002 - Wake County educators are among the best in the US, so it's no surprise when state professional organizations award top honors to Wake teachers and educators. At its January 22 meeting, the school board recognized five top Wake educators who have been named "best in class" by their respective state professional organizations.
Chris Droessler, Southeast Raleigh High
North Carolina High School Technology Teacher of the Year
Chris Droessler is the Multimedia Lab Facilitator at Southeast Raleigh High School. Chris has been described by his fellow teachers as an innovator, an outstanding leader, and an individual always willing to go the extra mile. As a graduate of Broughton High School, he attended North Carolina A&T State University. He earned a graduate degree from Indiana State University. Chris has taught for five years.
Southeast Raleigh High - 919.856.2800
Elizabeth Grimes-Droessler, Senior Administrator for Arts Education
North Carolina Dance Education Supervisor of the Year
She has been described by her dance education teachers as an energetic, tireless, and committed leader. As a former dance education teacher with the Wake County School System, Elizabeth was nominated for her visionary role in supporting not only dance education, but the other arts areas Ð music, visual art, and theatre Ð as well. The fact that Elizabeth's last name is the same as the first honoree is no accident: She and Chris Droessler, NC's High School Technology Teacher of the Year, are married.
Arts Education Office - 919.850.1788
Susan Hartley, West Cary Middle
North Carolina Dance Educator of the Year
Susan Hartley teaches dance education at West Cary Middle. She has been described by her fellow teachers as a thoughtful, student-centered educator and is known across the state for her work in curriculum development and dance education advocacy efforts. Formerly with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Susan also serves as Wake County's Dance Staff Development Coordinator.
West Cary Middle - 919.460.3528
Libby Leary, Durant Road Middle
North Carolina Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Libby Leary teaches health and physical education at Durant Road Middle. She has been described by her fellow teachers as a dedicated and proactive leader who has the highest expectations for her students. Nominated for outstanding teaching, leadership, and professional involvement, Libby has also served as her school's yearbook advisor, testing coordinator, and coach of three sports.
Durant Road Middle - 919.870.4098
Steve Moore, Timber Drive Elementary
North Carolina Elementary Technology Educator of the Year
Steve Moore is the Technology Resource Teacher at Timber Drive. He is described by his fellow teachers as a supportive and caring educator who is always looking for ways to involve parents and business partners into the instructional process. Steve started his career as a classroom teacher in the Brunswick County School System and has been at Timber Drive since 1998.
Timber Drive Elementary - 919.773.9500