Proffitt is county's Teacher of the Year

By Lynn Hotaling

Second-grade teacher Pat Proffitt of Webster was named Jackson County's Teacher of the Year Aug.15 during a banquet at Western Carolina University's Ramsey Center. Central Carolina Bank sponsors the award.

The top teacher is chosen by a panel of county teachers and area education professionals based on nominees' portfolios, presentations and interviews. As county winner, Proffitt will now compete for the title of North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Others considered for the award, based on being named Teacher of the Year at their respective schools, were Sandi Rogers, Blue Ridge; Bethany Hawkins, Scotts Creek; Eddie Greer, Smoky Mountain High; Pam Douthitt, Cullowhee Valley; and Gail McMahan, Fairview.

A teacher for the past 24 years, Proffitt has taught kindergarten and second grade. She began her career at the old Qualla School in 1977 and moved to SMES three years later when Qualla and Log Cabin were consolidated to form Smokey Mountain.

Her grandmother Mary Cowan influenced her decision to become a teacher, Proffitt said.

"I knew from a very young age I wanted to grow up and portray the teacher my grandmother exemplified," Proffitt said. "Because of her passion and enthusiasm for teaching and learning, I am the teacher I am today."

In summing up her teaching philosophy, Proffitt said she thinks every student "wants to learn and has a need to discover."

Proffitt and the five other school winners received awards from Brad Moses, branch manager of Central Carolina Bank.

As the county's Teacher of the Year, Proffitt received a $1,000 check to be used for professional enhancement. Proffitt and individual school winners received plaques for their school, also donated by CCB. All six also received plaques for their classroom that were donated by Jackson County Schools.

Moses thanked Proffitt and the other honored teachers for "the outstanding job they do to shape the future of our businesses and our community."

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