Casey named Exceptional Children Teacher of Excellence
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on December 7, 2011 1:46 PM
Crystal Casey of Charles B. Aycock High School has been named 2011 Exceptional Children Teacher of Excellence by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction exceptional children's division.
She was recognized during recent ceremonies in Greensboro and then before the Wayne County school board earlier this week.
Mrs. Casey, an exceptional children's teacher, works with students enrolled in the N.C. Occupational Course of Study.
She has 17 years of experience as a special education teacher. She earned a bachelor's degree in mental retardation, a master's degree in learning disabilities and is a National Board Certified teacher as an exceptional needs specialist.
The DPI exceptional children's division awarded one teacher or service provider from each of the 115 school districts, as well as two state agencies and four charter schools. Officials said Mrs. Casey was nominated for the award for her commitment to children with special needs and the proven success of student achievement in her classroom.
"It is important to note that over the seven years that she has taught the occupational course of study, 93 percent of her students have graduated with a N.C. high school diploma," said board member Arnold Flowers, in making the announcement Monday night. "Mrs. Casey's success with special education students has made her a leader in the region, with staff from surrounding school districts visiting her classroom to observe her teaching styles and practices.
"She has also presented teaching and learning strategies to teachers at local and state conferences."