Monday morning, a news crew from WRAL surprised sixth grade social studies teacher, Jennifer Carter, with the news that she has been chosen as a WRAL Teacher of the Week!
The crew visited Carter’s third period class to award her with a plaque for the honor and interview her. Carter was in a state of shock when the team arrived and even hours after. She said she felt honored and humbled to receive this recognition.
This year marks Carter’s eighth year at RCS and her 26th year teaching. She was nominated for this honor by a 2023 RCS alumni, a student she hadn’t taught in many years.
“It just reminds me why I do what I do,” Carter said. “It reminds me of the influence that I have on my students. The emotional influence that I have, the responsibility that that carries, but it is what has always driven me to have that connection with the kids and to let them know that somebody sees them, somebody hears them and that somebody loves them.”
Carter shared that the most gratifying thing about being a teacher is the connections she has made and continues to make with her students, adding that she has found joy in her ability to use her gifts to make those connections. She strives to teach social studies effectively, but also focuses on her students’ social and emotional learning. “I happen to teach history and try to get them to enjoy it, recognize, and respect it, but first and foremost, I want them to know they are valued as an individual and as a human of this earth.”
Middle School Principal, Jamel Jones said that the nomination is well deserved. “Mrs. Carter's commitment to bringing learning to life through her personable teaching style and her role as a conscious leader in the 6th grade reflects her dedication to both students and colleagues,” Jones said. “Working with her is indeed a joy.”
You will be able to watch Carter's segment on WRAL in January.