Every once in a while, things work out the way they should. You catch nothing but green lights home. The Tar Heels rule March Madness. And a teacher who goes the extra mile is rewarded for it.
Chocowinity Middle School teacher Crystal Williams never expected to be recognized for staying after school to help students or giving up her free period to help students with science projects.
She started extracurricular science clubs despite it not being a requirement or in her job description.
Williams made it her mission to make science fun for her students in hopes of encouraging more of them to one day choose a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. With that goal in mind, Williams introduced the Science Olympiad and the CMS Envirothon.
She was awarded the District 1 Outstanding Science Award for middle school science at the North Carolina Science Teacher’s Association’ 43rd annual Professional Development Institute. NCSTA’s District 1 covers Beaufort, Bertie Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrell and Washington counties.
According to the NCSTA, “District Outstanding Science Teacher Awards recognize excellence in science teaching by North Carolina teachers who exemplify excellence, creativity, and innovative teaching plans and ideas for the improvement of science instruction and stimulation of interest in science while fostering student, school and school-community instruction programs in science.”
We are so pleased that Williams’ recognition has come early in her career and know we will be hearing more accolades as her teaching career continues.