Perquimans County Schools

Hear from Rodney Lyons about the creativity of children at Perquimans County Schools.

Meet Rodney Lyons

Teacher Ambassador

I chose to teach in my district because of the love I have for my community. I am blessed to help students in the rural area where I was born and raised. To me, this is an honor along with an incentive. This impact is one that will touch multiple generations. I love to serve the youth and future of our community. Educating the minds of every child that enters my classroom and jumpstarting their success in life shall be a legacy that will reap benefits that far surpass my lifetime.

Teaching

4th Grade Math/Social Studies Teacher

Education

Undergraduate

Graduate

Walden University

Awards

2008-2009 Teacher of the Year, Perquimans Middle School
2011 Rotary Teacher of the Year, Hertford Grammar School
2017-2018 Exceeded Growth (EVAAS) Hertford Grammar School
2018-2019 Grade Level Chairperson/SIT Representative, Hertford Grammar School
2019-2020 Teacher of the Year, Hertford Grammar School

Teacher Certification Program

Elizabeth City State University

Why I Teach

My personal beliefs and feelings about teaching are that being an educator you must have a "love" for children. I personally feel that if one has the understanding and prior background knowledge to the development of the learning stages of children, then he or she will be an effective educator. Also, one must let children be creative. This stage of learning is either positive or negative. All children can learn by letting their minds explore to create new ideas, which are a very important part of the learning stage. In my classroom, I have a suggestion box, created and designed by a student at the beginning of each school year. Each day my students are allowed to write suggestions or comments to me about how they felt my lessons were executed. Each afternoon, I take time to reflect on my day by reading the suggestions in the box. To me, this elevates my potential as an educator and has provided me insight that allows me to respond to the needs of my children which ensures that our relationship remain positive, which produces trust. The reward I have fostered in my teaching is knowing that I have touched a child's life in a positive way. It's very encouraging when they come back and say "thanks" especially for "Keeping it Real" when they were in my class. To me, the difference between equality and equity is making sure everyone gets what he or she need to experience success. As a positive role model and educator, I feel that I exhibit this toward all my students that come across my path whether in my classroom or in my community. By having this attitude toward education, I feel that through showing love, treating all students fairly and producing life-long learners, my teaching is not in vain. "Nike" catch phrase describes why I teach. I "Just Do It" because I love teaching.