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News & Events: Teacher of the Year, Helen McGinnis

By Delandria Holloway and Brieana Perry

Academia Staff Writers

     In 2000, when Helen McGinnis retired from 30 years of teaching in New York public schools, little did she know that her role of educator was long from over.

     A few years later, she found her way with her husband, also an educator and EWA teacher, to North Carolina because they wanted to be closer to family. New York’s loss was East Wake Academy’s gain, said headmaster Brandon Smith, who recently bestowed McGinnis with a dozen roses and informed her she was chosen by her co-workers as the school’s Teacher of the Year.

     “It’s an overwhelming honor,” said McGinnis, who said she returned to teaching because she “missed being with the children and I didn’t want to throw away” the positive interaction.

     The fourth-grade teacher said awards and accolades are not her aim. “My goal is to make each student successful,” but she has been enjoying the honor. “I respect the teachers I work with,” adding East Wake Academy is full of “teachers of the year.”

     Assistant Teacher of the Year Kimberly Campbell has been assisting elementary students for four years. She says it feels great to be recognized by her peers and considers the title an honor. Campbell, who helps Trudy Catchings lead her first grade students, said she always strives to be the “best teacher assistant I can be.” And, she laughs, the honor comes with some perks. “I get a parking space close to the building.”