SANFORD, NC - Lee County Schools is proud to announce Scott Fann-Smith, a fifth grade teacher at Tramway Elementary School, as the 2026-2027 Lee County Schools Teacher of the Year. The award was revealed during yesterday’s districtwide Convocation ceremony.
The announcement came as a surprise to Fann-Smith, who described himself as someone who prefers working behind the scenes.
“Pure shock. I am not an in front of the crowd kind of guy. While I know in the back of my mind that it was deserved and I’m honored, I was definitely out of my comfort zone,” Fann-Smith explained.
His recognition comes after a school year marked by unexpected challenges. Following the resignation of a fifth-grade teacher at the beginning of the second quarter, remaining classrooms, including Fann-Smith's, absorbed additional students, increasing class sizes from 22 to 29 students. Despite the added demands, Fann-Smith remained focused on ensuring every student continued to learn, grow, and feel welcomed each day.
For Mr. Fann-Smith, teaching extends far beyond academics. His greatest hope is to instill resilience, character, and confidence in every student who enters his classroom.
“I hope students learn from me that it is ok to make mistakes. I hope they learn that it is ok to be challenged and not know an answer right away. Really, I hope they learn the significance of perseverance and to remember to be a good leader, a good friend, and a good person.”
Tramway Elementary Principal Andrea Profio said Fann-Smith embodies the qualities that define exceptional educators.
“Scott Fann is the kind of teacher every principal prays they are hiring. He is humble, servant-hearted, and unwavering in his commitment to students,” she explained.
Profio also noted that although he began his teaching career during one of the most challenging periods in modern education, he quickly established himself as a trusted educator and leader.
“Scott began his teaching career in the middle of the pandemic and quickly gained the trust of his colleagues and students. The road here was not easy for Scott, but his resilience and faith has given him a testimony that he does not take for granted,” Profio highlighted.
Superintendent of Lee County Schools, Dr. Chris Dossenbach, echoed Profio’s high praise for Fann-Smith as he announced his award to the assembled staff at Convocation.
“Mr. Fann-Smith is an educator who understands that teaching is about far more than delivering content. He sees students, believes in them, challenges them, encourages them, and helps them become more than they may even believe is possible,” Dossenbach said. “He is the kind of teacher every parent hopes their child will have. We are honored to celebrate his commitment and achievements with this recognition.”
As the 2026-2027 Lee County Schools Teacher of the Year, Fann-Smith received a new GMC Terrain courtesy of Wilkinson Chevrolet Cadillac GMC. Wilkinson has partnered with Lee County Schools to provide a new car to the district’s Teacher of the Year for 23 consecutive years. Fann-Smith also received a $500 cash award from 3D Community Church.
Fann-Smith will serve as an ambassador for the district and represent Lee County Schools in the North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year selection process.