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Macon Looper named ACS 2023 Beginning Teacher of the Year
When Asheville High School Principal Derek Edwards knocked on Macon Looper’s classroom door Monday and asked to speak to her in the hallway, she was certainly not prepared for what would happen next. Greeted by district and school leaders, teachers and students, the Asheville High/SILSA Spanish Teacher found out she’s been named Asheville City Schools 2023 Beginning Teacher of the Year!
The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor and retain new teaching professionals who show promise as an excellent educational leader.
“What excites me about coming to work each day are the incomparable connections I make with students,” said Looper. “The ability to teach and learn and to challenge and connect with them. My goal each day is for my students to feel like they have a safe space in the school where they can learn and hopefully they will leave my classroom more confident and curious about the Spanish language.”
Looper is an Asheville City Schools alumni! She attended Claxton Elementary School, Asheville Middle School, and Asheville High School.
“I teach because I love to learn. I had such a positive and impactful experience at my high school that I have now returned to teach,” she said.
As Asheville City Schools finalist, Looper will submit her application to NCCAT. They will then select a pool of applicants to compete for the title of 2023 North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year! If selected as the state’s Beginning Teacher of the Year, Looper will receive a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to participate in a GoGlobal NC trip.
Looper is in her second year of teaching at The High.
“I believe that knowledge is power,” she said. “This is a job where I am able to share my knowledge and passion for Spanish with students at a pivotal time in their lives.”
Congratulations, Macon Looper! We are so proud of you!
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