Huntersville Teacher Finalist For CMS 2019 Teacher Of The Year

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — Six teachers, including one teacher from Huntersville Elementary, have been named finalists for the 2019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Teacher of the Year award, according to the school district.

CMS will introduce the finalists Wednesday during an event at 10 a.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center on Fourth Street in Charlotte. CMS Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox, along with Gerri Parker, interim chief human resources officer, will be speaking at the event.

Here are the finalists for 2019 Teacher of the Year:

Tyler Erb, Community House Middle, Southwest Learning Community

Erb teaches math at Community House Middle School."His passion for teaching is only surpassed by his passion for math," said Principal Jamie Brooks. "He works tirelessly to bring equity to the field of math. He provides opportunities for all children to be exposed to higher-level math work. He eats, sleeps and breathes math education. This guy is irreplaceable."

Precious Kotte, Metro School, Central 2 Learning Community

Kotte teaches 18- to 22-year-old students with severe autism. "I have an uncle with severe cognitive disabilities," said Kotte. "I grew up watching my grandmother take care of him and I always knew that he would never be able to live independently and that really touched me. I wanted to help others with challenges,” she said.

"Ms. Kotte is a motivated and driven teacher and does whatever it takes to ensure equitable resources are used to meet the diverse needs of every learner in her classroom." said Principal Fermandi Dyson.

Cherelle Phelps, West Charlotte High, Central 1 Learning Community

Phelps, who teaches 10th-grade english at West Charlotte High School, comes from a family of educators. “She is an example of the 'heart work' we do every day at West Charlotte," said the school’s principal, Dr. Timisha Barnes-Jones. "She shows an unwavering belief in her students and is committed to providing them multiple opportunities and support to and build the skills they need to succeed in life.”

Nancy Pursley, Huntersville Elementary, Northwest Learning Community

Pursley teaches special education at Huntersville Elementary School. “Her care and dedication to the most vulnerable of students is something to behold," said Principal Jeffrey Ruppenthal. "Although many of her students are nonverbal and confined to wheelchairs, her high expectations for learning for each student never wavers. She seeks out innovative and creative strategies to reach each child based on how they communicate and function in the world. She is keenly aware of each of her students' unique personalities. Her classroom exudes warmth and a love for learning."

Alicianna Smith, Stoney Creek Elementary, Northeast Learning Community

"Ms. Smith thinks outside the walls of her classroom to support the students she serves,” said Susannah Barr, principal of Stoney Creek Elementary where Smith teaches 2nd Grade. She educates the whole child and taps into students' interests and goals to help them reach their highest potential."

Kimberly Tuttle, Levine Middle College High, Southeast Learning Community

Tuttle, who has been a teacher in the district for two decades, teaches 11th-grade English Honors and Advanced Placement language and composition. "Every day is a good day in Ms. Tuttle's classroom," said the school’s principal, Joey Burch. "She is prepared each day, not only with a quality lesson plan, but with a welcoming smile and a nurturing learning environment."