Happy Valley Teacher selected as the region’s best in science

LENOIR, NC (November 10, 2016)…The North Carolina Science Teacher Association (NCSTA) has named Happy Valley School teacher Anna Lee Potter the Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher for the northwestern region of North Carolina. NCSTA recognizes educators statewide who exemplify excellence in the creative and innovative teaching of science.

Anna Potter began teaching in 1993 and is described as being committed and hard working. “She is a respected and valued teacher at Happy Valley School, who takes her role very seriously,” said Principal Meredith Belk. “Anna often incorporates technology into her lessons and provides a “hands on” learning experience to her students. Her classroom is truly a learning community.”

At Happy Valley School, she has taken on the role of School Improvement Team Chair and has participated in the Science House Rural Schools Equipment Loan Program for the last several years. She regularly takes students to the Yadkin River near the school to monitor water quality, and she is often seen outdoors with her students conducting geocaches and inquiry-based investigations.

Potter also serves as the Happy Valley cheerleading sponsor and recently participated in a summer professional development session of E-MAGINE, which inspired her to incorporate “Engineering is Elementary” curriculum into her classroom.

She was presented a plaque at the NCSTA Professional Development Institute in October and will be recognized at the Caldwell County Board of Education meeting in December.