It's HOW You Live...

Yesterday I had the honor of hearing Cynthia Marshall, President of at&t North Carolina, speak at the NC Association of Educators Convention. After telling the story of her childhood, growing up in a housing project in California, Ms. Marshall repeated the words her mother had taught her: "It's not where you live; it's HOW you live." I think the delegates would agree that Cynthia Marshall is living with the right goals in mind. Her company promotes education across our state, including sponsoring the Teacher of the Year program. But back to the convention in a minute...let's go back to the beginning of the week.

I started (and ended the week) at my school helping National Board candidates "pack the box." What a celebratory atmosphere we had, after working for months to get those entries perfect! While I was there, I was able to participate in the poetry festivities that were being held in the media center. It was so fun to see my students' poetry projects and to partcipate in the games that were going on all around the room!

l participated in the "Wheel of Poetry" and even though I was an English major in college and felt pretty confident, they stumped me a couple of times..

My favorite project title was presented by my former GAP (Grizzly Acceleration Period) student, Isaac. The cover of his project read "The Meat Counter for the Intellectual's Soul" and had a picture of a huge cow on it. Under the cow, Isaac wrote "By the Esteemed Isaac Nance" and then "Read all poems and the title page with a bad British accent for comical enjoyment." You gotta LOVE middle school!

This week I returned to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke - this time to speak to the student interns (back in my day, they were called student teachers.) Over fifty interns were away from their classrooms to hear my stories about the importance of the student/teacher relationship. I always enjoy the students at UNC-P; they are committed educators who want to grow as teachers so they work hard at what they do!

The halls of the education building at UNC-P always send a message of the importance of teaching.

So...back to the convention. Since I was working with NBC candidates on Friday, I watched the NCAE Convention online (loving modern technology.) I was even watching when Sheri Strickland, the President of NCAE, said, "And tomorrow we'll have Cindi Rigsbee, the NC Teacher of the Year, speaking."

So I got up early and drove to Raleigh in plenty of time, except for one little problem: I was unaware that the Bank of America Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon would be right in the middle of my route to the Raleigh Convention Center! Needless to say, I was pretty stressed out after begging five different Raleigh police officers to let me turn right instead of left. But I got there finally and it was an amazing experience! With the music that was playing in the Convention Center Hall, I would say North Carolina educators had Raleigh rocking more than the marathon! After playing "Soul Man" to the introduction of Rodney Ellis, NCAE Vice President, I was introduced to a background of "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. I was dancing before I ever started talking!

Here's a picture I took from the podium. The audience is watching two big screens with my video of my appearance on Good Morning America, and there on the monitor I see my students...there's Courtney and Savannah and Jamal and Jalen...

And as I think about Cynthia Marshall's remarks, I'm reminded that last April she told us her story just as I was announced the new NC Teacher of the Year. While accepting, I turned to her and told her that I didn't grow up in the housing project but right across the street from it. Two weeks ago, when I was headed out to my National Teacher of the Year interview, I received an email from my sister. It held only two words: Represent Bluefield.

So, yes, Cynthia, I am trying to live up to your inspiring remarks as I travel the state. I try to think of how I live everywhere I go. Thank you for reminding me, although it's never far from my heart, that I am representing the Bluefield Housing Project in Durham, N.C. and 97,000 teachers every day. And thank you for everything you do for the children in our state.

Spring is in the Air...

I remember this time last year. We teachers would pass each other in the hall and say, "The sap is rising." There was a buzz of energy in the building as the weather turned warmer, and spring activities like baseball and softball took the place of indoor sports like basketball and wrestling. Well, here we are again, faced with preparing our students for those looming tests while they are more and more anxious to just get outside!

Evidently spring fever has gotten to me, too...I've been traveling and doing my Teacher of the Year presentations, but I've taken NO pictures. So you'll have to take my word for it - I've really been to these places!

Last Monday, I attended the Public School Forum's Board meeting at the North Raleigh Hilton. After an activity report which included a review of, among other things, the Teaching Fellows selection process, the Board was given overviews of the most current Finance Study and a report entitled "Learning from Ireland," information gathered when a delegation of North Carolina educators traveled to Ireland to study what the Irish are doing right concerning education. We also experienced wonderful presentations regarding the North Carolina Grantmakers Report on Education and MCNC's STEM Initiative. This was an action packed meeting that enabled me to better understand education initiatives in North Carolina.

On Tuesday, I traveled to Concord to speak to a group of Teachers of the Year from the area. These school district TOYs were treated to a beautiful dinner thanks to the North Carolina Automobile Dealers. After my remarks, there were gift bags and envelopes for the teachers. The gift bag was full of tasty goodies (I got one, too) and I heard that the envelope contained a gift certificate to the Grove Park Inn. Hey, where's mine?

On Wednesday, I facilitated a literacy workshop for teachers in Chatham County. I always love presenting in Pittsboro...the teachers there are so appreciative! And my successor, Regional Teacher of the Year Phillip Little, is a Chatham teacher...so my audience was excited about the possibility that he could be the next NC Teacher of the Year.

Thursday and Friday were office days for me, the first since December! I was able to work (for hours...) on an expense report and do a couple of phone interviews that I had not had the opportunity to do. On Saturday, I was back at it again, this time serving as the keynote speaker for North Carolina Central University's Education Symposium. The 21st Century Student in the Digital Age was a moving experience for me. After I finished my remarks, a teacher from the audience came over to tell me what my words had meant to her. "I've been struggling," she said. "And now I have a new energy for the classroom." Just as I hope to make a difference to my students, it's my goal to make an impact as a Teacher Ambassador for North Carolina. I'm always happy to know that I've made a difference to someone in the audience.

Now I'm into another week of traveling the state. I promise to take pictures this time, warm weather or not!

Back on the Road...

I returned home from Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night and hit the road running on Wednesday. I had the pleasure of speaking to the staff of Rocky Mount Prep School, and I knew I was in for a treat when I saw what they served for snacks - my favorites - cupcakes, popcorn, and Cokes! Rocky Mount Prep is a college preparatory charter school, and I found the staff there to be exactly what I needed as I de-stressed from my trip to D.C. The best part was when Mr. Pratt, the Headmaster, handed me my favorite devil's food cupcake when I left! There are so many perks to this job!

On Thursday, I had the honor of speaking to Teachers of the Year (current and past) and beginning teachers in the Rowan-Salisbury Public Schools. My Teacher of the Year Teammate Janice Raper, Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year, showed me around the school that her husband Ron helped open as Athletic Director three years ago. I have to tell you that I was impressed with the real (once alive) cougar in the showcase of the lobby of Carson High School! It was great to see Janice and have the chance to chat with her during a lovely reception, and I had a great surprise! My friend Amy Garrett, who I taught with four years ago, is now a teacher in Rowan-Salisbury, and she was there to cheer me on. I had the pleasure of attending Amy's wedding a few years ago, and I'm happy to see her settled and thriving in her new community.

Here I am with Amy, a teacher I recruited to my school four years ago.

I had so much fun with Janice Raper, the Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year and April Williamson, the current Rowan-Salisbury Teacher of the Year.

On Friday, I returned to my school to work with National Board candidates again, and they are putting the finishing touches on their portfolios that are due March 31st. They have worked so hard this school year, and I think next November we'll have some new NBCT's in our school!

Sunday was our Community Literacy Day, and this day was a real treat. Not only did we have an authentic Spanish cake for Patricia's birthday, we also learned salsa and meringue dancing. We really had a workout, thanks to Latino dance studio instructor Betto from Mambo Dinamico Dance Company! Today we tried to speak only in Spanish so Jenny and I were a little confused sometimes, but the language of dance is universal. So is the language of sore muscles evidently. Hopefully I'll be well enough for my numerous speaking engagements in the next few days...until then...adios!

Happy Birthday to Patricia!

Norberto (Betto), the dance instructor, and Fabiola, GHMS eighth grader, smile for the camera.

Patricia (Fabiola's mom), Melissa (GHMS 8th grader), and Dolly (Melissa's mom) smile for the camera.

A very talented group of dancers...well, at least a very hard-working group of dancers!

Wrapping Things Up in DC

Our last events in the nation's capitol were celebratory, nervewracking, exciting, and stressful, but in usual National Teacher of the Year fashion...first class all the way!

The finalists were invited to a lovely dinner at the Hotel George and were able to meet the selection committee while dining in elegant surroundings. The committee included representatives from fifteen of the most prestigious educational organizations:

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
American Association of School Administrators
American Federation of Teachers
Association for Childhood Education International
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Association of Teacher Educators
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
National Association of State Boards of Education
National Education Association
National Congress of Parents and Teachers
National Middle School Association
National School Boards Association
National School Public Relations Association

Here we are walking to the Hotel George for the dinner. I had this idea that we would walk across the street like the Beatles in Abbey Road, but we were about to get run over!!!

After the entree, Alex, Tony, Susan, and I changed places so that we could chat with other members of the committee. At the end of the evening, Jon presented each of us with a beautiful crystal apple.

We left feeling that we had just met colleagues in education, not "judges."

But despite the nice social evening, I still found it impossible to sleep before my morning interview. After dinner, Jon handed us two questions for the press conference that would take place at 11:15 AM, but I didn't want to prepare for that until my speech and interview were over. So I tucked those away and left the hotel on Tuesday morning to walk over to the Council building for my interview.

The first think I noticed was that after two days of beautiful spring-like weather, it was COLD in D.C. on Tuesday. Good thing...it woke me up! I entered the conference room, delivered my speech, and then sat through the next hour and answered each of the committee's questions. Many people have asked me "how did you do?" And as per usual after I'm in an interview situation, I think of a thousand things I should have said. And although I was relieved that it was over, I was terrified about the press conference! I hadn't prepared as much as I would have liked...so I sat in a side office while Alex was delivering his speech and planned a few answers.

Still...it was a little unsettling to walk into a room full of reporters with their notepads (not to mention the selection committee!) But I immediately saw Kim Worthy, the amazing D.C. Teacher of the Year in the front row, and I was so excited! Of course, we haven't seen the other State TOYs since our trip to Dallas, but we have talked on our GoogleGroup and can't wait to reconnect in D.C. at the end of April.

As each of us answered the two questions we were previously given, I listened to my esteemed colleagues from California, Colorado, and Connecticut and thought about how they are each eloquent, knowledgeable speakers...and if I had to choose one, I couldn't! They are amazing in their own ways, and I feel blessed to be among them.

I'm glad I have pictures of the press conference thanks to D.C. TOY Kim Worthy! My camera was in my purse shoved in a closet in the Council building...

By noon on Tuesday, I was finished and ready to head back home while Susan and Tony prepared for their interviews and Alex and Kim got to know each other over lunch. David and I were scurrying to get home before the kennel closed so that we could get Jasmine! She, of course, was glad to see us, but exhausted from four days of Doggie Day Camp...but she better rest up. She'll be back again at the end of April as we travel to D.C. to reunite with all of the State TOYs during the President's official announcement of the National Teacher of the Year! It will be another amazing moment in our Teacher of the Year journey...

There are no words...

I started the day with a brisk walk to the Council of Chief State School Officers building where I was to be videotaped as part of the National Teacher of the Year process. Just as I approached the building, I looked back over my shoulder and caught a glimpse of the Capitol building looming behind me. I thought about the honor of walking in this place and representing teachers in North Carolina. Later in the afternoon, a Senate press representative would ask me how it feels to be a finalist. I answered by saying, "The words you always hear...humbled and honored...aren't even close to the way I feel every time they introduce me as the Teacher of the Year from North Carolina. There are no words..."

The state flags were flying in a brisk wind in Washington, D.C. today.

The videotaping was relatively painless this morning. The questions related to me and what I had written in my portfolio. I do have a tendency to ramble when I have a lot to say, but other than that, I guess I did okay.

After that, David and I headed over to the Senate office buildings to meet with the North Carolina senators.

Here I am with Senator Richard Burr, R-NC

And here with freshman Senator Kay Hagan, D-NC.

The next stop is dinner tonight with the selection committee...I'm excited to meet the folks who gave me this amazing honor.

The Fun Begins!

A beautiful vase of tulips arrived to my hotel room today. Thank you, ING and CCSSO!

I arrived in Washington, D.C. yesterday (since it's close enough to North Carolina to drive in a few hours,) but I didn't feel quite like the festivities were underway until it was time for the other three finalists to arrive today. Well, tonight, Jon Quam, the Director of the National Teacher of the Year Program, met us in the lobby of our hotel so that we could walk to dinner, and it was then that Tony, Alex, and I found out that Susan was stranded in the airport in Chicago and wouldn't be joining us. We missed her cheerful presence, but luckily, her sign language interpreter, Cheri, was with us.

First Jon took us for a tour of the Council of Chief State School Officers building where our interviews and press conference will take place.

Tony and Alex test the chairs in the press conference room.

Next we entered the historic Union Station for dinner at BSmith's, a restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine and soul food...right up my alley! We all had a wonderful time and now are ready for our videotapings tomorrow and then dinner with the selection committee. Oh, and we're also waiting for Susan to get here! Can't wait to see her!

Here, Tony and Alex and I stand in the regal Union Station, a historic train station built in 1907.

Mrs. Rigsbee Goes to Washington

I had a busy week at the State Board of Education meetings while packing to travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Teacher of the Year Selection process. I was witness to history at the State Board meetings this week as we watched Dr. Bill Harrison being sworn in as CEO of the Public Schools of North Carolina, and minutes later, named Chairman of the Board. It was an emotional meeting as the Board said goodbye to Chairman Howard Lee, who has chaired the Board for five years, and who brought an air of dignity to that role that will never be forgotten. He will now head up Governor Purdue's Education Cabinet. I'm excited about working with Dr. Harrison in my role as Teacher Advisor to the State Board of Education.

I rushed out of Thursday's meeting to drive to Montgomery County and present on "Literacy for Life" to the NCASCD meeting. I shared my "reading history" with the participants and offered ideas for reading strategies that they could use in their classrooms. I was emotional twice, once while reading aloud a story about my parents and later while viewing the video of my reunion with my first grade teacher Mrs. Warnecke. But suffice it to say that I was having an emotional week anyway, realizing that I was about to embark on one of the biggest "moments" of my life.

And that moment is here...I am in our nation's capital preparing to represent North Carolina teachers. We arrived yesterday, and apparently my husband thinks the best way to prepare for an interview is to walk 15 miles! After checking into the Liaison Hotel, we set out to take in the sights of Washington, D.C. on a beautiful first-of-spring day (it's hard to believe that just five days ago I was home on a "snow day.")

The Capitol is literally steps from our hotel!

We were a little late in the day by the time we started our sightseeing walk, but that made for a pretty sunset picture of the Washington Monument.

Thanks to Trisha Muse's fifth graders at Page Street Elementary School in Troy! They made me beautiful "good luck" cards so I sent them this picture of their cards' arrival at the White House.

Stay tuned for updates on the events of the next few days, including dinner with the selection committee, a videotaped response to questions, a "mini-keynote" speech, an interview, and a press conference. Also, tomorrow I have scheduled meetings with North Carolina Senators Hagan and Burr along with a visit to the Senate floor!

And as for my performance in the selection process...maybe when it's all over, I'll be able to do the Smarty Pants Dance ...

A Gala Week!

Some weeks on this Teacher of the Year tour have been slammed with activity - one wonderful thing after another - until it's hard to absorb the wonderfulness before I'm off to another experience. Such it was this week...the Gala week! Back to that in a minute..

I started off the week on the beautiful campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, N.C. I was the featured speaker for the Spring Symposium at NCWC which included nine current student teachers and 21 education majors. I shared my Expressions for Excellence in Education and some answers to their questions and concerns. These students were energetic and vibrant, and we'll be lucky to have them in our schools in NC.

Here I am with Dr. Patricia Brewer, Assistant Professor of Education at NCWC, and some of her education students.

I loved Dr. Brewer's door - her students illustrated their best teachers and the attributes they had. Oh yea, and there's a flyer about my presentation in the middle...not as cute as the illustrations!

I headed home from Rocky Mount and prepared for a couple of meetings in Raleigh on Tuesday. Then off again, this time to Salisbury to visit the West Teaching Scholars and participate in several activities with them. First we had breakfast, and I spoke with them on seeking leadership opportunities even as beginning teachers. That followed with a question and answer session; the Fellows asked compelling questions on everything from collaborating with colleagues to school safety. From there we walked over to the Ketner School of Business where I presented my keynote - Making Connections as a Teacher - a message about 21st Century teaching and the teacher/student relationship. Next we broke for lunch where I had the opportunity to sit with Catawba faculty and Hannah, a Fellow from my mother's hometown of Robbins, N.C. Hannah, along with the other Fellows at Catawba, remind me of the promise of the future of teaching.

Yep, there's the sign...I found Catawba College!

I always try to wear the school colors when I visit college campuses. Sometimes I don't get them exactly right (there are MANY colors of blue.) I was so excited to see that I perfectly matched the Fellows at Catawba!

On Friday, I had the pleasure to present to the entire student body of Wentworth Elementary School in Rockingham County. My lesson involved Character Education, and I read from the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (while I threw "stars" at the students from my "bucket.") The best way to end a rainy Friday - and a busy week - was looking out over the sea of little faces in the Wentworth Elementary gymnasium!

But, wait! The week wasn't over...I was honored to attend the Gala and Silent Auction for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) on Saturday night. The Teacher of the Year team pulled our gowns and tuxedos out of the closet and headed to the Cardinal Club in Raleigh to participate in the auction that raises money for a place (actually two places - one in the mountains and one at the beach) that celebrates teachers by offering amazing professional development opportunities while nurturing souls and feeding weary minds and bodies. If you're a North Carolina teacher, and you haven't had an NCCAT experience, go to the website and apply today!

The NCCAT Golden Apple Gala was a festive event as evidenced by the ice sculpture and the dessert tray.

Here we are...members of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Team 2008-2009. From left - Trisha Muse, Sandhills/South Central Region; Ruth Ann Parker, Southeast Region; Sonya Rinehart, Northeast Region; Renee Peoples, West Region, Cindi Rigsbee, Piedmont/Triad Central Region; and Bernard Waugh, Southwest Region (We missed Freida Baker, Paige Elliott, and Janice Raper!)

I was amazed at the items donated for auction - beautiful artwork, rugs, sports memorabilia (I would've loved the basketball signed by former UNC Coach Dean Smith) and trips galore! Trips to every beach in the state, along with trips to New York City and Paris, were available. I left with one happy husband who bid for, and won, a Richard Petty Driving Experience. Now David gets to go to Lowe's Motor Speedway and drive a race car at 185 mph. He acted like a kid when he found out he had won the bid!

Here I am with Trisha and Alton Ballance, NCCAT Fellow from Ocracoke Island.


Here I am with Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year Ruth Ann Parker.

I was so happy to see most of my TOY team members (others had health issues - we missed you guys!) But for those of us who were there...it was a happy reunion...and a reminder that we only have two more months together before a new team is selected. Where did the year go?

Congressman Bob Etheridge addresses the Gala group.

Here I am with Dr. Bill Harrison, newly named CEO of the NC Public Schools. I'm looking forward to working with him in my role as Teacher Advisor to the State Board of Education.

Well, another week is gone, and this upcoming week is packed with activities. On Friday I leave for Washington, D.C. for the National Teacher of the Year process! I'm excited about seeing my fellow finalists again, and I'll be able to go onto the Senate floor, thanks to my NC Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr. I'll be representing NC teachers as I visit our policymakers in our nation's capitol. It will be a great experience!