Kara Cayton’s Award Announcement

CAYTON AWARDED
NCCAT BEGINNING TEACHER AWARD
On Tuesday, September 17th, our first grade teacher, Kara Cayton was surprised with a visit to her classroom from Josh Gaskill, the District Support Teacher Specialist announcing that Kara was being awarded the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching Beginning Teacher Award. Her students were surprised when Mr. Gaskill walked in the door with flowers and a balloon guessing that it was Ms. Cayton’s birthday or anniversary later learning that she won this award. This is the first year for the award and we are so proud that Kara received this honor. Here is some more information about the award:
North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching About the NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Award
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) is pleased to announce the first annual NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. The NCCAT BTOY process was developed to honor beginning teachers and retain potentially excellent teachers in North Carolina public schools.
Overview of NCCAT BTOY:
1. Honor beginning teachers 2. Retain potentially excellent teachers in both the profession and NC public schools 3. Encourage all NC school districts to celebrate 1st year teachers as a method of retention 4. Build relationships with districts and schools in North Carolina
Our principal, Ms. Dixon, has this to say about Kara:
In a short time Ms. Cayton has made a significant impact on our school and our district. She has established excellent rapport with colleagues and PCPS families and contributes to the success of our school both in and outside the classroom. She is a solid contributing member of the first grade planning team, even going so far as to create transformation activities that provide students with experiences that build real world connections to learning standards. She also contributes daily to the overall positive vibe at our school. She is willing to accept additional school and district duties, including assisting with coaching the PCMS girls' championship softball team. Kara began her teaching career as a tutor at FAA and stepped into an already established classroom after a teacher retirement. The classroom she took over flourished under her instructional leadership as did the instructional impacts of her teaching assistant and first grade team. Kara is an asset to the entire Pamlico County School system and I can think of no better educator to represent our district for this beginning teacher accolade.
Comments about Kara from Joshua Gaskill, District Teacher Support Specialist :
We are very excited for Kara and this honor she has been presented. As a beginning teacher, Kara represents what is great in education, and I look forward to what she will continue to accomplish in her career. Thank you, Ms. Cayton, for your hard work and dedication to your students.
**Kara will now move forward through a regional selection process. We wish her much success!