In recognition of their exceptional dedication and impact in the classroom, four Granville Early College High School and VGCC alumni have been named Beginning Teachers of the Year at their respective schools in the past two years. This distinguished award honors early-career educators who demonstrate excellence, inspire student success, and embody the future of the profession.
In North Carolina, Beginning Teachers of the Year are selected based on a combination of factors, including their teaching philosophy, classroom management skills, ability to engage students, and dedication to student learning. They should also demonstrate strong instructional skills, create inclusive classrooms that meet the needs of all learners, demonstrate leadership skills, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and administrators.
Besides all being Granville Early College students, these students also took English from VGCC Professor Frankie Frink.
“To see four of my former students named Beginning Teachers of the Year is the greatest affirmation of all. Their dedication, creativity, and heart have always been unmistakable,” boasted Professor Frink. “I’m not proud because I taught them; I’m proud because they’ve become the kind of educators every student deserves. Each of them entered my classroom full of questions, curiosity, and determination. Now they stand in their own classrooms, lighting that same spark in others. They teach with courage, lead with compassion, and carry forward a vision of education that uplifts and empowers. Watching them grow into leaders so early in their careers is a major accomplishment. Their success is a reflection of the future of teaching, and it’s brighter because of them.”
Congratulations to the four remarkable Beginning Teacher honorees listed below!
“As a first-year teacher, I was very surprised to win Beginning Teacher of The Year for Mount Energy Elementary School in 2023-2024! I [am] very proud of the work that I put in to show others that I am meant to be in education and teach the future of America. I am so thankful for Granville Early College High School for giving me the opportunity to earn my associate degree as well as my high school diploma in four years—then to go into my undergraduate degree as well as graduate degree and be completed by the time I was 21 years old! I want to show my students that you can do anything you want as long as you put your mind to it and try the best you can!”
— Elizabeth Browning, Mount Energy Elementary School 2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year (Granville County Public Schools)
“Winning Beginning Teacher of the Year is such an honor as this is a full circle moment for me. I started teaching because I know what it’s like to need a teacher who truly cares. When I moved to Granville County in middle school, my teachers really showed up for me. They poured their hearts into helping me grow all the way to graduation from Granville Early College High School. Now, I just want to do the same for my students and give back to the community that helped shape me.”
— Melissa Johnson, Mount Energy Elementary School 2024-2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year (Granville County Public Schools)
“I became a teacher because I wanted to be the kind of role model I needed when I was growing up. I work hard to make sure each student feels seen, heard, and valued.”
— Oneisha Leonard-Henry, Neal Magnet Middle School 2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year (Durham Public Schools)
“I pursued a career in education to create a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive environment for all students. My time at Vance-Granville Community College inspired me to be an advocate for change and sparked my desire for teaching.”
— Jalia Medlin, Forest View Elementary School 2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year (Durham Public Schools)
