From Chocowinity Primary School

An 11-year veteran of the public schools system and current Readying Recovery and Early Literacy Specialist is Chocowinity Primary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016.

Lauren Buck, who said she was “in shock” when her selection was announced, was chosen by her peers. She previously taught first grade and holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in reading. She holds her National Board Certification in literacy.

Along with her duties at CPS, Buck finds the time to serve as vice president of the North Carolina Reading Association and is an adjunct instructor in the reading department at East Carolina University.

“On a daily basis I teach students one-on-one and in small groups to provide an intervention in literacy in first through third grades,” Buck said of her work. “I mentor and coach teachers on strategies and best practices in literacy instruction, and I provide professional development for teachers and staff and parent workshops.”

Buck said she is constantly looking for ways to better do her job and serve children in the school setting.

“I use my teaching to continue researching the reading process so I can provide the best instruction and interventions for my students,” she said. “I also present at conferences at the local, state and national levels to continue sharing initiatives and research findings.”

Buck said her goal as a teacher is to make the students feel success and help them find a love for learning.

“Teaching is my life, and teaching literacy is my passion,” she said. “Watching a child learn how to read and write is one of the most rewarding experiences I will have. Teaching is all I ever wanted to do and I feel blessed to wake up every day and devote my life to watching children learn and grow.”

Buck said being a teacher makes her a better person. And she never passes up an opportunity to brag about her school.

“I am truly honored to represent CPS as Teacher of the Year,” she said. “CPS has some of the most dedicated and best teachers in the state and I consider myself lucky to learn and teach with them on a daily basis. Great happens at CPS.”