HAMLET — Tara Lassiter King never intended on being a teacher.
But it seems her peers at the Ninth Grade Academy and leaders in Richmond County Schools think she made the right choice as she was named 2021-22 Teacher of the Year.
For that honor, King was awarded $5,000 from the Griffin Automotive Group, which decided to present a cash prize this year in lieu of a new car with supplies being low.
“I never thought I’d ever be a teacher,” she said Thursday following the annual Teachers of the Year Luncheon at Cole Auditorium. “But then my husband (Brian King) said, ‘Why don’t you go back to teach. I think you’ll do a great job.’ So I went back to school and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
King had initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering “and then didn’t do anything with it.”
She then took her love of math and science and decided to teach. Her grandmother, Mary Jane Lassiter, who still teaches Kindergarten, was also an influence.
King started her career as an educator at what was then Rockingham Junior High.
Julian Carter, associate superintendent of human resources for RCS, was an assistant principal there at the time.
“You could tell she was special right out of the gate,” Carter said, adding that King was a great communicator. “Tara is outstanding. She just goes the extra mile.”
Just prior to naming King as the winner, Carter read a statement from NGA Principal Derrick Watkins:
“It is so exciting to witness someone’s hard work, passion and dedication to their students and school … She is always willing to go the extra mile for her students and the staff at her school. She is one of the most passionate and dedicated teachers I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. She builds relationships that allow her to set high expectations for her students, and her students generally follow through because they do not want to let her down. She is a leader among her peers and an advocate for all students.”
When the school system reorganized, King went to work at the NGA, where she has taught math for the past 13 years.
Ruth Burgin, director of professional development, said what set King apart from the other Teachers of the Year was her relationships with the students.
“A kid’s not going to learn from you unless they know you love them,” Carter said, adding that was evident by the testimony of one student who said he wasn’t doing well in school until she took the time to work with him.
“It’s just great to know that what I’m doing is making a difference and the kids see that I care,” King said.
The Teachers of the Year are nominated by the staff of their respective schools and named in the spring. The 15 who are selected then go through interviews at Central Office and one is selected for the year, according to Carter.
The other Teachers of the Year are:
Following the lunch, the principals recognized the teachers from their respective schools.
Public Information Officer Jasmine Hagar then played a video giving a glimpse into the teachers’ classrooms, featuring interviews with students as to why their instructor should be Teacher of the Year.
“I think the children said it all,” Carter said.
Blake Altman, owner of Evolution Health Club, offered a 1-year-membership plus eight personal training sessions and a T-shirt, which was awarded to Brayboy.
“I grew up around teachers and I kind of know the struggles,” Altman said, offering a $500 check for school supplies. He also had two additional $500 checks from Wesley Jackson of Premier Realty and Motto Mortgage.
The names were drawn with Taylor, Smith and Eason each winning one of the prizes.
“This is just my way of saying, ‘Thank you,’ for not only for what you do for my business, but what you do for these students who are speaking on behalf of what y’all do,” Altman said “And it's obvious you don’t show up for the money every day, you show up for the impact.”
Griffin Automotive Group, represented Thursday by Scott Altman, has been sponsoring the Richmond County Teacher of the Year for 15 years.
Bobbie Sue Ormsby, vice chair of the Richmond County Board of Education, congratulated each of the winners on behalf of the board.
“Listening to what the little children say just tugs at your heart,” Ormsby said. “To hear them say, ‘She’s just special’ or ‘He’s the best,’ you know it really comes from their heart.”
