#United States #North Carolina #Curriculum Associates #Extraordinary Educators

North Carolina's Most Inspiring Educators Honored

Curriculum Associates has unveiled its prestigious 2025 Class of Extraordinary Educators, an initiative that honors teachers who consistently innovate in the classroom and elevate student success. Among the 29 distinguished educators selected from a pool of impressive nominations, four talented individuals from North Carolina stand out for their remarkable dedication and innovative teaching methods.

Honorees from North Carolina

The celebrated teachers are:

• - Marla Dunlow – Chocowinity Primary School, Chocowinity
• - Emily Emery – Stanly County Schools, Albemarle
• - Katherine Lavine – The Expedition School, Hillsborough
• - Melissa May – Surf City Middle School, Hampstead

These educators have distinguished themselves not only by effectively utilizing Curriculum Associates' flagship products like i-Ready and i-Ready Classroom Mathematics but also by driving growth and achievement through thoughtful assessment and engagement techniques.

Commitment to Student Equity

Emily Emery shared insights into her approach, stating, "I strive to foster an environment where my students feel safe, supported, and empowered to take risks. Building relationships is key, not just amongst myself and my students but also among the students themselves." This commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment demonstrates her dedication to educational equity.

Katherine Lavine highlighted the importance of accessibility in education. A dual-certified teacher in mathematics and exceptional children, she remarked, "Accessibility is an integral part of my teaching philosophy. Since I have shifted our placement process to rely more heavily on objective data, more students with learning differences are not just participating but thriving in accelerated math courses."

Improving Learning Experiences

Melissa May emphasized the strengths of her students in her teaching methods, saying, "I incorporate what my students already understand into my lesson plans, all while challenging them to explore new ideas and concepts. This collaborative approach not only enhances learning but also builds confidence."

Marla Dunlow added that fostering creativity within learning experiences allows students to explore and engage in innovative ways, fueling their passion for education.

A Nationwide Community of Innovators

This year's class is comprised of a diverse group of educators, encompassing classroom teachers, specialists, and teachers for gifted students. Application reviews were conducted by various members of Curriculum Associates, culminating in final selections by a dedicated advisory board.

Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates, remarked, "The impact these teachers make creates ripple effects in their communities and across the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate these remarkable educators who consistently strive to ensure better outcomes for their students. Their commitment exemplifies our goal of unlocking every student’s potential."

The honorees will continue to have access to a network of distinguished peers across the country, fostering collaboration and innovative practices in education. Moreover, they will participate in professional learning opportunities, including the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC develops research-based instructional materials, assessments, and data management tools to support teachers and administrators in nurturing diverse student populations. Their commitment to excellent resources is pivotal in fostering learning and ensuring educational success for all students.

This recognition of North Carolina's extraordinary educators reflects the ongoing dedication to cultivating innovative practices in education, ensuring that all students have opportunities to thrive.