SMITHFIELD – Clarice Williams was recently recognized as the 2023-2024 JCPS K-5 Outstanding Math Teacher. Ms. Williams has been in education for 22 years, with JCPS for 9 years, and has been a math teacher at Cooper Academy for seven years.
Each year, educational leaders in North Carolina schools are encouraged to nominate a teacher they believe does the most effective job teaching mathematics in their school. From those nominated, each Local Educational Agency (LEA) selects one teacher to represent the best in mathematics teaching from the entire school system.
This year, 30 JCPS elementary teachers were nominated. As part of the process, each nominee was required to complete a questionnaire highlighting their teaching strategies, professional development, and vision of high-quality mathematics teaching and learning.
These nominees were honored at a luncheon where Ms. Clarice Williams from Cooper Academy was announced as our JCPS K-5 Outstanding Math Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Williams’ outstanding performance in the questionnaire was equally matched by her performance in the classroom.
In the questionnaire, Williams stated, “My vision for high-quality instruction involves students engaged in challenging tasks, having meaningful dialogue about how to solve them, and connecting prior knowledge to what could be possible.” Williams’ innovative, challenging, yet supportive approach to instruction has resulted in academic achievement for her students and has garnered much recognition for herself.
When asked what motivates her to impact students’ lives, Williams’ simple response was, “Coming from a humble beginning, I have always had a passion for educating children from all walks of life. It is doubly rewarding to provide high-quality education to students who may or may not have adequate educational resources, whether from home or school.”
JCPS Elementary Math Teaching & Learning Specialists Robin Hiatt and Christie Harding were honored to recognize Williams as the award recipient. “Ms. Williams is a teacher who is dedicated to ensuring her students receive the highest quality math instruction possible. She is also a teacher dedicated to being a lifelong learner, as she is a regular participant in optional mathematics professional development to ensure she has the knowledge and strategies to pass on to her students.”
Williams is a member of a dynamic math team that prides itself on going above and beyond for their students. Williams was quick to humbly acknowledge the efforts of her math team at Cooper Academy and other educators throughout the district. “This is very special to me because it not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of me and my team members but the hard work and dedication of my colleagues and the many educators throughout the district,” stated Williams. “I am fortunate to be a part of the JCPS family and to do what I simply love to do.”
Ms. Williams will receive a one-year membership in the North Carolina Council for Teaching Mathematics (NCCTM), recognition at the State Mathematics Conference in November, and a special memento of the occasion.
The 30 nominees were: Brittany Adcock, B. Anita Aiken, Christian Beltran, Debbie Cascioli, Lauren Cox, Ana Melissa Dominguez, Donna DuPraw, Rahwa Habtemariam, Nickie Holloman, Jennifer Lancaster, Stacie Lester, Lena LeBoeuf, Yessica Mayor, Tracy Mitchell, Kaitlyn Painter, Tamara Ray, Celine Raybon, Jessica Rosenbaum, Leann Salvato, Lisa Scott, Cristy Shaver, Brooke Shives, Suzanne Smith, Shannon Smithies, Cristy Speight, Charlene Spruill, Amy Toler, Kristen Veilleux, Andi Whitley, and Clarice Williams.
