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November 29, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Educators Extraordinary Educators GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Oak Hill Elementary School,
Extraordinary Educator: Caitlyn Polito
Caitlyn Polito, Oak Hill Elementary, awarded High Point Extraordinary Educator by the High Point School Schools Partnership at High Point Country Club, High Point, N.C., Friday, August 20, 2021. (Lynn Hey photo)

2021 Extraordinary Educators: Caitlyn Polito


Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of eight articles, we will highlight our 2021 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.


Caitlyn Polito

The 2021-2022 academic year will be Caitlyn Polito’s third year at Oak Hill Elementary School. She “enjoys working with our students and families” and she “also has a great team of educators who she gets to learn from every day.”

Candice Bailey, the principal at Oak Hill Elementary School, describes Mrs. Polito as an “energetic educator” who is “hard-working, dedicated, and caring.”

Bailey states that Mrs. Polito “always goes the extra mile for students and works tirelessly to ensure students have access to the curriculum.” 

During remote learning, she “supported the EL students and even volunteered to bring a small group of students to the building to support their learning when they were unable to access the internet from their homes.”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I’ve always been inspired by the potential of working with young people and the positive impact they will have on our world’s future.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: I’m a bilingual educator, and I’ve always valued incorporating the strengths of our students’ cultures, home lives, and any other languages spoken into our classroom community. When students know that you see them as a whole, complete person, that fosters a positive relationship where students feel seen, heard and understood. My goal is for my leadership style to be relationship-oriented, culturally competent, and trauma-informed.

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: My philosophy is that every student learns every day. I will educate myself and grow professionally however I need to ensure the success of every student. I know that having an effective teacher is the most influential variable in a student’s learning, and I hold myself to a high standard of excellence in order to ensure that every student learns every day.

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: My favorite part of my job has always been reading with students. I love being a part of their literacy journey and to see their pride as their reading skills improve. Getting the right book into a student’s hands that makes them excited to read is always a home run moment for me.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: Years after I’ve taught students, they’ve invited me to their high school graduations. I’m always so proud of their commitment to their education, and it’s special to share that moment with their families.

If Mrs. Polito could tell students’ parents anything, she would tell them she has “so much respect for what they do at home” and she is “working hard for their children to have the best education at school.”

If she could tell her students anything, she would say that “being a part of their lives is absolutely the best part of mine. I wish every student the bright, successful future of their dreams.”


Thank you so much to Caitlyn Polito for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2021 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff

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November 24, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Leaders Extraordinary Leader GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Triangle Lake Montessori,
Extraordinary Leader: Pamela Ford

The High Point Schools Partnership had the privilege of sitting down and talking with Dr. Pamela Ford, principal of Triangle Lake Montessori. An Alamance County native, Ford received all four of her degrees in Education-related fields. She received her undergraduate and one of her master’s degrees from North Carolina A&T and her other master’s degrees and doctoral degrees from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Ford has had a decorated 26 years in education serving students as a teacher, technology facilitator, curriculum facilitator, Assistant Principal, and now Principal both at the Elementary and Middle school level. 

Ford is passionate about the idea of education saving lives. She believes that school should be a safe and positive environment for all students; it can give them a different look on life. Ford believes in accepting students as they are and helping them reach their full potential, much like her students did for her. She wants all of her students to know they have a place in her school.

When asked about great things going on in her school, Ford pointed right to her media specialist, and HPSP Extraordinary Educator, Janita Jackson. Jackson has been instrumental in the student engagement surrounding their “Maker Lab”; this is a part computer lab and part maker space. Jackson is also spearheading a virtual book fair where adults can use a custom e-wallet to purchase books for their students. Ford also mentioned their annual literacy night will now be a drive-through maze for students to enjoy. Jackson was also responsible for helping to secure and utilize grants from the High Point Community Foundation and ESSER Funds. 

In addition to these great projects surrounding literacy, Ford also mentioned their new outdoor classroom space. She is hopeful that this will provide a positive learning environment and space for outside guests to come in and share safely. In addition, Ford highlighted Triangle Lake’s involvement in Go Far. 


Thank you Pamela for sitting down and talking with us. We look forward to continuing to talk with and highlight different High Point principals and all the good going on at their school.

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November 22, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Educators Extraordinary Educators GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Southwest Guilford Middle School,
Extraordinary Educator: April Glover
April Glover, Southwest Guilford Middle School, awarded High Point Extraordinary Educator by the High Point School Schools Partnership at High Point Country Club, High Point, N.C., Friday, August 20, 2021. (Lynn Hey photo)

2021 Extraordinary Educators: April Glover


Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of eight articles, we will highlight our 2021 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.


April Glover

April Glover started her career at Southwest Guilford Middle School in the mid-1990s and returned to the school in 2017. She loves “the Southwest community” and has “enjoyed working with many students, families, leaders, and amazing co-workers throughout the years.”

Southwest Guilford Middle School’s principal, Arlisa Armond, says “Mrs. April Glover is a graceful, connective, and insightful educational leader who effectively connects with students and colleagues. She guides us all to greater heights. Laser-focused and passionate, Mrs. Glover is always looking for new opportunities to contribute to the growth of students, staff, and structures of our school.”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: My family and many teachers along the way who took the time to truly care about me, build relationships and invest in who I could become, modeled for me how serving others could impact lives. These people truly cared about me. Caring about others and selflessly serving others continues to inspire me daily as an educator. My “bucket” gets filled by helping others whether it’s in the classroom or out in the community.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: To sum it up in one word, relationships! Building good relationships is the key to everything in life. Students want to feel valued just as much as adults do. When we take the time to invest in the lives of others through our conversations and acts of serving others, we build trust, confidence, and self-worth. Think about it, isn’t it easier to do your best when you are surrounded by people who believe in you, people who equip you with the tools you need, and people who encourage you to become a better version of yourself?

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Always be kind, helpful, loving, supportive, understanding, caring, considerate, respectful, and patient. If we all live by this and strive to do this every single day, our classroom becomes a safe place for students to learn, make mistakes, and have the opportunity to grow from those mistakes. Our classrooms can model these behaviors and then hopefully students will carry this with them and continue to positively impact our communities for many years to come.

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: The best part of my day is being with the students! The more time I have to build a relationship with them, the better. Students need teachers and other adults in their lives that they can trust, that care about them and believe they can succeed. When others believe you can, you start to gain confidence and truly believe that you can succeed too. This is so important for all students.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: This is a tough question because there have been so many! I’ve spent many years in the classroom, in leadership roles, and helping coach sports. My favorite memorable moments definitely include building strong relationships, working hard but having a good time, and being able to laugh with my students. These times make the moments when a student finally “gets it” and you see that smile and confidence emerging even sweeter.

Mrs. Glover wishes she could tell her students and their parents, “Thank you for partnering with me, trusting me with your children, and for being willing to help them grow in so many ways. Students, thank you for striving to treat others the way you want to be treated, working hard even when you didn’t want to, for believing in yourself, for asking questions, and for never giving up. These qualities will take you far in life and if you apply them to everything you do, you most certainly will achieve your hopes and dreams. If you ever need anything, I’m here for you.”


Thank you so much to April Glover for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2021 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff

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November 17, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Leaders Extraordinary Leader GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Kirkman Park Elementary School,
Extraordinary Leader: Jamal Crawford

The High Point Schools Partnership had the privilege of sitting down and talking with Dr. Jamal Crawford, principal of Kirkman Park Elementary School. Crawford is a Boston-Native who, after living abroad in Japan while serving in the Air Force and spending a year in Texas, found his way to the South and decided to stay. He moved to Charlotte at the start of high school and continued on in the Queen City receiving all three of his degrees at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. This is Crawford’s 21st year in Education and his 16th year as a building-level principal. He has taught at the high school level in Charlotte, served as an assistant principal for 5 years, and is currently in his 9th year at Kirkman Park.

Crawford, like many other principals in Title I schools, has had to adjust to major budget cuts. Kirkman Park lost over $17,000 in its annual budget and had to continue serving students with the reduced funds. Crawford decided to use a large portion of the Title I budget he did have to hire a Parent Coordinator who works alongside Communities in Schools. Their goal is to increase family engagement school-wide. This position works with the Parent Teacher Organization and writes grants to support students and teachers. In the short life of this position, Kirkman Park has already received grants to supplement their clothing closet as well as funds for a library replacement project.

Another area that Crawford was happy to highlight was Kirkman Park’s Spanish-immersion Program. This program will be further supported and developed by the upcoming SMART school bond. The local school system is looking into expanding this program to local middle and high schools so students can stay in High Point and receive this unique learning experience.

In addition to this program, the teachers of this school have proposed a school-wide book read. They will be reading The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. Supporting this project is the wonderfully supportive librarian that serves the students of Kirkman Park. Librarian, Mary Nifong, also engages students by introducing kids to coding, 3D printing, and their “Maker Space” activity center.


Thank you Jamal for sitting down and talking with us. We look forward to continuing to talk with and highlight different High Point principals and all the good going on at their school.

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November 15, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Educators Extraordinary Educators GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Triangle Lake Montessori,
Extraordinary Educator: Janita Jackson
Janita Jackson, Triangle Lake Montessori School awarded High Point Extraordinary Educator by the High Point School Schools Partnership at High Point Country Club, High Point, N.C., Friday, August 20, 2021. (Lynn Hey photo)

2021 Extraordinary Educators: Janita Jackson


Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of eight articles, we will highlight our 2021 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.


Janita Jackson

Janita Jackson has been the media specialist at Triangle Lake Montessori for five years. Prior to working as a media specialist, she worked as an English Language Arts teacher. She loves helping both younger students and staff, and her position “gives her the opportunity to do that.”

Pamela Ford, the principal at Triangle Lake Montessori, says Ms. Jackson is “a true leader in the school this past year as technology was a huge focus.”

Ford was “impressed with how Ms. Jackson took charge of facilitating and guiding the staff and stakeholders as we transitioned to being one-to-one with technology during remote learning and in-person learning. She is known at our school as the ‘Technology Guru’ and the ‘Book Ninja!’”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I was originally an English Language Arts teacher and I was inspired to become one by the many wonderful educators I encountered throughout my own education. Because I wanted to focus more on literacy, technology, and instill a genuine joy of reading great literature, I decided to switch avenues and become a librarian.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: Staying positive and straightforward, helpful while at the same time teaching others how to do whatever they need themselves.

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: As a leader in my school and my library, I strive to inspire and teach the students, staff, administration, and stakeholders. I aim to create an atmosphere of support, collaboration, and accommodation within the school community. Most importantly, I believe that through character traits such as kindness and compassion, I can maintain continuous personal growth and make a lasting impact on everyone I encounter. For the kids it is: The Library is the place to “BEE”! Bee Kind, Bee Honest, Bee Safe!

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: The best part of the day is when the students, in all grades, come to visit the library. They love this place! I wish I could bottle their enthusiasm and joy at seeing the books and/or me. It’s infectious. I love waving at them, hearing them say “Hey Ms. Jackson,” and prior to COVID, giving out hugs to a hundred kids a day.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: It’s the little things. Being nominated as an extraordinary educator is one, but others include (but are not limited to) tying shoes, helping a child find a favorite or new book, solving a technology problem for a teacher, being a leader on the School Based Leadership Team, advocating for my library, graduating with my master’s degree. These moments are all memorable to me!

If Ms. Jackson could tell her students anything, she would say “I love you, always make time to read.”

If she could tell students’ parents anything, she would encourage them to “read to your children and encourage them to be responsible with their books and technology.”


Thank you so much to Janita Jackson for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2021 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff

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November 10, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Leaders Extraordinary Leader GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Northwood,
Extraordinary Leader: Susan Steen

The High Point Schools Partnership had the privilege of sitting down and talking with Susan Steen, principal of Northwood Elementary School. Native to the city of High Point, Steen has been through public schools all of her life. As a graduate of Andrew’s High School, this principal is passionate about local schools. Steen left the area only to graduate from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill before she came back to teach at Oak Hill elementary.

After 31 years as an educator, it is no surprise that Steen has shared her love for education with multiple schools. When she realized that her passion for growing students expanded past her role as a teacher Steen went on to become the Curriculum Facilitator for Morehead Elementary School. It was in this role that she felt she had a broader role when it came to impacting teachers. It was with this goal in mind that Steen obtained her Admin degree from Gardner-Webb University. From here, Steen went on to become the assistant principal of Union Hill Elementary for three years before becoming the principal of Northwood to which she is in her fourth year. 

Northwood is 1 of only 19 IB PYP, or International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Schools, in the state of North Carolina. They are 1 of 2 schools in Guilford County that is part of IB’s Primary Years Programme. Unlike IB programs at the High School level, everyone in this school participates in this type of programming. Lessons are shaped around developing global thinkers, international mindsets, and differing perspectives with the goal of making productive citizens at the forefront of their holistic thinking.

Steen was very happy to talk about and showed great pride in their community involvement at Northwood. They are always looking for creative ways for volunteers to get involved. Volunteers from First United Methodist Church in High Point helped to revitalize the courtyard so students could have a space for outdoor learning and lunches.

As with many of our conversations recently, learning gaps as a result of the pandemic have been discussed. Steen was very hopeful as all of her teachers were implementing strategic, creative, and intentional lessons to meet the needs of each learner. Teachers are changing instruction as needed to meet the needs. As part of their IB framework, this means rewriting planners and curriculum schedules to match standards and learning themes to make learning purposeful and meaningful to produce citizens with relevant skills.

Following along with this goal, Steen has been helping to spearhead professional development courses for teachers with a college and career focus. Soon everyone will be highlighting different careers that align, in turn, with the curriculum. During the first semester of this implementation, morning announcements will be accompanied by videos that highlight different careers. The second semester will be focused on all different types of colleges. North Carolina colleges will be introduced to students that align with their desired career goals. As the IB program encourages students to be inquirers, students will develop research skills so they can investigate and learn more about different career choices. Students will take career surveys at the beginning of the year to guide them in their interests towards possible careers. Parents are also a part of this learning journey. Northwood plans on holding parent events to show them that college can be an option for their students. These sessions will be about college readiness, scholarship availability, and local programs that can help in this process. Northwood wants to teach students about all of the different futures they can have and is interested in providing the tools to get there.


Thank you Susan for sitting down and talking with us. We look forward to continuing to talk with and highlight different High Point principals and all the good going on at their school.

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November 8, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Educators Extraordinary Educators GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Montlieu Academy of Technology,
Extraordinary Educator: Carley Hand
Carley Hand, Montlieu Academy of Technology, awarded High Point Extraordinary Educator by the High Point School Schools Partnership at High Point Country Club, High Point, N.C., Friday, August 20, 2021. (Lynn Hey photo)

2021 Extraordinary Educators: Carley Hand


Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of eight articles, we will highlight our 2021 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.


Carley Hand

Carley Hand has been an educator at Montlieu Academy of Technology for 6 years. “The strong relationships I have built with students, parents, co-workers, and administration” is the reason she has stayed at Montlieu. Montlieu has an “excellent team truly dedicated to the well-being of all students” and Hand is “honored to work with such passionate and knowledgeable educators and staff.”

Kimberly Scott, Montlieu Academy of Technology’s principal, says Ms. Hand “radiates positivity and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her scholars. Carley can frequently be found dressing up as a character in a story or even as a mad scientist to engage her scholars. She consistently motivates them to do their personal best no matter how challenging a task may be.”

Outside of the classroom, Carley is also a leader on the school’s “Sunshine Team,” which works “to bring joy to our staff on special days or during challenging times.”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: My fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. McKee, inspired me to become an educator by allowing me to help teach other students in my class. I realized during that time that I was not only good at teaching others, but really enjoying and found purpose in helping others learn and be successful.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: My teaching style is a little theatrical. I love to dress in silly costumes, speak in a variety of voices, play games, and transform what would normally be a mundane task into something kids enjoy and look forward to. It is a wonderful feeling with kids who are excited about their work and learning because you have made it fun.

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: My classroom motto is “everyone is good at something, and no one is good at everything. Even if you may not understand something yet, or even if you have to work a little harder at something than someone else, you will get it.” I love this motto because it not only inspires students to try their best and not become frustrated when a task is difficult, it also creates empathy for those students who might have more trouble with a task or learning concept.

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: The best part about every day is pulling students in small groups. This allows me to spend more quality time with the kids, get to know their personalities, and see them make the most growth. 

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: My most memorable moments as an educator are the times when previous students come back to visit me. When students care about you enough to stop by your room in the morning, on their way to the buses, etc., it means that you not only taught them what they needed to know, but they felt loved and cared for.

If Ms. Hand could tell her students anything, she “would like to tell them they can achieve anything they put their minds to. They are smart, valuable, kind, and important. I believe in them and know they are going to do great things.”

If she could tell students’ parents anything, she would say they are “doing a great job. They have wonderful children and I appreciate all of the effort they put into raising great kids even when life is hard.”


Thank you so much to Carley Hand for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2021 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff

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November 3, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Leaders Extraordinary Leader GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Welborn Academy,
Extraordinary Leader: Shayla Savage

The High Point Schools Partnership had the privilege of sitting down and talking with Shayla Savage, principal of Welborn Academy of Science and Technology. Savage has had an impressive 20 years in education that all stemmed from her upbringing in Eastern North Carolina. She moved more locally to attend North Carolina A&T where Savage received undergraduate degrees in social working and special education. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in School Administration and is currently attending the University of North Carolina Charlotte to earn her Doctorate on the School Superintendent track. Somewhere in the midst of all of this, Savage was married, had two kids, and fully immersed herself in the world of education.  

After moving to the High Point/Greensboro area Savage began teaching and never left. She was a teacher at Ferndale Middle and Weaver High before entering the principal fellowship. From here, Savage was the principal of Union Hill Elementary for 5 years, Assistant Principal at Welborn Academy for 4 ½ years, and is now on her 2nd year as principal of Welborn.

Welborn Academy made headlines when they were awarded the Innovative Partnership Grant and Savage wanted to share more about how those funds were working for her students. Welborn was able to fully fund a full-time nurse and school therapist with grant money to support physical and emotional well-being. These positions lead to the overall goal of the grant money which was to focus their school around Social Emotional Learning, or SEL. The school participates in the Research Triangle Institute Partnership for SEL to best support this goal. As beneficial as this grant has been, Savage says her main goal this year is to focus on the reculture and rebranding of Welborn in light of COVID-19 learning loss. She says Welborn is fortunate to be participating in an online tutoring program with local students to help supplement some of this loss. Though this curriculum-based tutoring program is beneficial for her students, she says that their emotional health cannot be overlooked after these trying years.


Thank you Shayla for sitting down and talking with us. We look forward to continuing to talk with and highlight different High Point principals and all the good going on at their school.

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November 1, 2021 0 Comments Schools in High Point Extraordinary Educators Extraordinary Educators GCS, Guilford County Schools ..., High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP, Union Hill Elementary School,
Extraordinary Educator: Aiesha Lanier
Aiesha Lanier, Union Hill Elementary School, awarded High Point Extraordinary Educator by the High Point School Schools Partnership at High Point Country Club, High Point, N.C., Friday, August 20, 2021. (Lynn Hey photo)

2021 Extraordinary Educators: Aiesha Lanier


Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of eight articles, we will highlight our 2021 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.


Aiesha Lanier

Aiesha Lanier has been an educator at Union Hill Elementary School for 3 years, but she’s been an educator for 7 years. Union Hill’s “family atmosphere,” “dedication, vision, positive attitude of our leadership team,” and “the amazing students and families we serve” is what makes every day of work feel like it’s not working at all.

Therman Flowers is the principal at Union Hill Elementary School. About Mrs. Lanier, he says “students know Mrs. Lanier as a caring and exciting teacher who cares about them. Not only is she an expert at collecting and analyzing data, but Mrs. Lanier also involves her students in the process so that they can truly take ownership of their learning.”

In the classroom, “Mrs. Lanier knows how to take students from where they are and build upon their background knowledge.” She “holds each of them accountable for their best learning every day and never doubts her student’s capacity to succeed!”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I’ve been a “teacher” for as long as I can remember. I know without a doubt that teaching is what I was called to do. Having the opportunity to create an alternate ending to the story that has been written for our students based on their skin color and socioeconomic status is a powerful responsibility that I don’t take lightly. So, I guess if I had to say in a few words my “why” for becoming an educator, it would be to change students’ lives for the better.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: If I had to sum up my teaching style in a few words, it would be high expectations, accountability, and relationships. Almost every day I tell my students that I love them, and they know that I’m going to treat them like my own children. I walk into my classroom with the knowledge that not only can all students learn but that they can excel. I set goals with my students and am relentless in holding students accountable in reaching those goals because that’s the expectation I have for my own children.

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: I once read somewhere that great teachers understand that students can reach potentials they cannot yet conceive. My philosophy is that I am the visionary for my classroom. It is up to me to expose students to goals they never knew they could reach, careers they never knew existed, and possibilities they never imagined could be realities.  As for a motto, if you were to ask my students “What’s something that Mrs. Lanier always says?”, I’m sure they would tell you “I love you.”

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: The moment when students realize they CAN accomplish something is always special. It’s one thing for students to know you believe in them, it’s another for them to believe in themselves. When that transition is made, it is absolutely the best part of my day. 

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: I’m a hugger. I once had a student tell me, “Mrs. Lanier, you give the best hugs.” Nothing compares to the hugs you receive from your most difficult students. When a big, hormonal, full of attitude 5th grader gives you a hug with tears in their eyes at the end of the school year, it’s something really special.

Mrs. Lanier’s comments to her students? “I want them to know how much I believe in them. Not in the cliché sense of the word, but truly believe in the amazing things they can accomplish. And of course, that I love them.”

And to her student’s parents? “Thank you. Thank you for entrusting me with your most valuable resource.”


Thank you so much to Aiesha Lanier for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2021 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff

Read More
High Point School News
  • Extraordinary Educator: Sandy McGoogan
  • Extraordinary Educator: Stephanie Powell
  • Extraordinary Educator: Vernee Rogers
  • Extraordinary Educator: Sheena Hyder
  • Extraordinary Educator: Katelyn Thompson
High Point School News
  • Extraordinary Educator: Sandy McGoogan
  • Extraordinary Educator: Stephanie Powell
  • Extraordinary Educator: Vernee Rogers
  • Extraordinary Educator: Sheena Hyder
  • Extraordinary Educator: Katelyn Thompson
  • Extraordinary Educator: Sandy McGoogan
  • Extraordinary Educator: Stephanie Powell
  • Extraordinary Educator: Vernee Rogers
  • Extraordinary Educator: Sheena Hyder
  • Extraordinary Educator: Katelyn Thompson
...
Schools In High Point
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