FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2023
Contact: Dr. Melanie R. Shaver
Meet Hyde County Schools’ School and District Teachers of the Year
Swan Quarter, NC- Mattamuskeet School and Ocracoke School are special places where the small school and community feel lead to meaningful relationships between students and teachers. This year, Mattamuskeet School recognized three teachers as their Primary Teacher of the Year, Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Mattamuskeet School’s Primary Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Louise Beirne. Her classroom is full of love as students run to her and express their need for a hug because they missed her over the long weekend. She spends time with each student discussing their needs before they get started. The full group quickly breaks up into small groups as students work diligently in rotation small groups.
Mrs. Beirne launched a middle school Skills USA team this year with the 21st Century afterschool program, providing the opportunity for travel and allowed her to connect with some of her former students. The team was very successful both regionally and at state-level competitions.
Ms. Patricia Scripture was named Mattamuskeet School’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. Ms. Scripture is an exceptional children’s teacher and works with students in small groups or individually to support their learning. Ms. Scripture’s students work hard to meet their goals, making Ms. Scripture proud of their accomplishments and progress. Ms. Scripture’s colleagues are always impressed with her patience, kindness, and persistence with her students in helping them meet their goals.
Miss Cara Taylor was named Mattamuskeet School’s Beginning Teacher of the Year. Miss Taylor is in her second year of teaching Health Sciences at Mattamuskeet School. She transitioned into teaching after working in a pharmaceutical company. Her students love her because of her ability to build relationships and make learning fun. Miss Taylor’s class are constantly involved in activities that help students remember the names, locations, and functions of different systems.
Miss Taylor ensures that students don’t just experience the curriculum but meet other professionals that prepare them for their future careers. You don’t see a school event with students’ involvement where you don’t see Miss Taylor cheering students on!
Miss Katie O’Neal was named Ocracoke School’s Primary Teacher of the Year. Beginning her teaching career right before Hurricane Dorian and continuing with a global Pandemic, Miss O’Neal works as an Exceptional Children’s Teacher specializing and supporting students with the course work. Her never-ending ability to provide flexible working conditions to support students in the moment is amazing to behold!
Miss O’Neal’s tenacity to provide exceptional services to students was evidenced this year as Hyde County Schools has struggled to find a psychologist; she re-enrolled in school to become licensed, ensuring students access the services they need.
Ocracoke School named Miss Ward as their Beginning Teacher of the Year. Miss Ward’s love for her students immediately radiates when you enter her class. Her students feel safe and comfortable when Miss Ward is around; her methods ensure that all student learning needs are met, from the manipulatives to the cozy reading groups.
The Teacher of the Year district committee interviewed each of these teachers to determine the Hyde County School district winners for the 2023-24 school year. Every year, it is a difficult decision; so much work goes into teaching and meeting the diverse needs of our students. Dr. Melanie Shaver, Superintendent of Hyde County Schools, states, “A great teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Hyde County Schools is fortunate to have a phenomenal staff that celebrates their students’ accomplishments and each staff member’s contributions to support the teaching and learning in our schools. I am proud of the work that our teachers do, each district nominee and school representative is dedicated to the education and success of our students.”
Hyde County Schools is proud to announce the 2023-24 District Teacher of the Year is Miss Katie O’Neal, and the Beginning Teacher of the Year is Miss Grace Ward. These representatives will represent Hyde County Schools as nominees in the 2023-24 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year and 2023-24 Northeast Region Teacher of the Year.
Ms. O'Neal
Ms. Ward
