SANFORD, NC - Lee County High School Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Kaitlyn Adams has been named one of five winners of the Rack Room Shoes Teacher of the Year Award, a national honor recognizing educators who go above and beyond to support their students both inside and outside the classroom. These teachers will be receiving an Innovation Grant to use for classroom items or program expansion to enhance their students’ experiences.
Adams, who teaches family and consumer science courses including Mental Health and Counseling, was selected for her unwavering commitment to her students, her inclusive classroom environment and the meaningful relationships she builds with young people at Lee County High School.
“I grew up with two parents who were teachers, so I’ve always known the impact teachers can have,” Adams said. “I did not initially want to be a teacher, but I believe everything happens for a reason. My heart told me to be here. I followed that, and now I really enjoy being a teacher.”
Adams is known throughout the school community for making students feel seen, valued and supported. Whether attending athletic events, theatre performances or even visiting students at their jobs, she makes a point to show up.
“I try to do everything that I can to support my students,” Adams said. “When they ask me to come to their games or their plays, or when they tell me they just got a new job and want someone to come see them at work, I try to show up for them as much as I possibly can. I just try to be someone they can go to, someone that they know will be there for them.”
Her classroom reflects that same sense of belonging. Filled with colorful displays and photos of students, the room serves as a visual reminder that every student has a place.
“I do that so they can see themselves in my classroom and see the ways they are supported,” Adams stated. “I try to have conversations with them about how their life is outside of school and see how I can help them.”
According to LCHS Principal Robert Newby, Adams’ dedication extends far beyond the school day.
“Ms. Adams shows up,” Newby explained. “If it is at games or shows, it doesn’t matter what it is. She is there. She makes sure that the kids know she doesn’t just want to teach them or care for them while they are in the classroom.”
Newby also praised Adams’ ability to create a classroom where all students can succeed.
“Her classroom is engaging,” Newby said. “She makes sure that our ESL (English as a Second Language) and EC (Exceptional Children) students get what they need, so it is a differentiated classroom. It does not matter who the student is, she makes sure that they have what they need to be successful.”
Adams has even taken it upon herself to learn Spanish to better connect with students whose first language is not English.
“The students teach me so much - probably more than they learn from me,” Adams stated. “They teach me how to overcome things and keep showing up. Even with everything that they are going through, they show me how to be present every day.”
Fellow LCHS Teacher Cherice Washington said Adams’ impact is felt across the school.
“I believe that the variety of ways that she teaches students is what really makes her stand out,” Washington explained. “The learning does not feel forced. It feels very intentional.”
“Teachers like Ms. Adams are superstars,” Washington beamed. “They are the teachers who volunteer before they are asked. They are the teachers who show up and don’t leave.”
Washington also shared the story of a senior in her AVID program who frequently talks about Adams, despite never having taken one of her classes, because she attends nearly all of his extracurricular activities.
“That student’s mom works two jobs and has told me how hard it is not to be able to come to her child’s games and activities,” Washington said. “But that student isn’t feeling that loss fully, because he has a village and Ms. Adams is part of that village.”
For Newby, Adams’ recognition reflects the best of the school and the community.
“Ms. Adams, with her effort and dedication to students, shows our community that we have great things happening here at Lee County HIgh School,” Newby said.
As one of just five educators nationwide to receive the Rack Room Shoes Teacher of the Year Award, Adams said she is honored to be recognized for doing work that she feels called to do.
“My heart told me to be here,” she said. “I’m grateful that it did.”