Ashe County teacher named 2015 NC Teacher of the Year

Ashe County High School English teacher Keana Triplett was named the 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year on Tuesday, April 7. The Ashe County Public Schools’ teacher succeeds James E. Ford, a World History teacher at Garinger High School (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools).

In announcing this year’s recipient, State Superintendent June Atkinson said Triplett finds her teaching rewards in the success of her students.

“Keana wants to be the catalyst for her students’ success in life,” Atkinson said. “By getting to know her students individually, she is able to meet them where they are and lead them to where they want to go.”

Ashe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd Holden said, “I’m proud of Keana and her accomplishments. She is not only an outstanding teacher, but also an amazing person. Every day she puts the needs of her students above everything else and inspires them to reach for the stars. Keana molds her students to believe in themselves, dare to dream, and gives them the tools needed to make those dreams come true.”

Dr. John Burris, president of Burroughs Wellcome Fund, said, “The Burroughs Wellcome Fund remains committed to helping provide the young people of North Carolina with the best possible education. Teachers play the key role in that education, and we are proud to recognize the North Carolina Teacher of the Year and all her dedicated professional colleagues.”

In accepting the award, Triplett said she wants her greatest contribution as an educator to be “showing students they are loved, valued and worthy.” She said, “Outstanding teachers know their students. They understand how each student learns and responds appropriately. They set high expectations then provide challenging, rigorous and relevant learning activities so students are engaged learners – not apathetic learners.”

As Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Triplett will spend the next school year traveling the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession.

She also will serve as an advisor to the State Board of Education for two years and as a board member for the NC Public School Forum for one year. In addition, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction will sponsor her enrollment and completion of the Education Policy Fellowship Program.

North Carolina has recognized outstanding teachers through its Teacher of the Year program since 1970. This is Ashe County High School’s second NC Teacher of the Year recipient. 

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North Carolina School Boards AssociationAshe County teacher named 2015 NC Teacher of the Year