PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2023
Rowan-Salisbury School System Announces 2023-2024 Principal of the Year
and Beginning Teacher of the Year
SALISBURY, North Carolina – The Rowan-Salisbury School System (RSS) announces the Principal of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024.
Principal of the Year - Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown, an educator with Rowan-Salisbury Schools since 2011, has been named the RSS 2023-2024 Principal of the Year. The announcement was made on Friday, September 22, 2023, during a House Meeting celebration at Hurley Elementary School.
As the principal of Hurley, Brown introduced the House System, fostering inclusivity and a sense of community. This cultural shift has positively impacted the academic and holistic needs of her students.
From a technology facilitator to a middle grades teacher and assistant principal, Brown’s journey in education led her to her current role as principal of Hurley in the Spring of 2020.
Brown’s innovative approach to education includes creating a lab school with Teacher Associates and focusing on academic excellence. This focus, combined with community-building initiatives, has energized Hurley Elementary and is driving the discussion on rigor and student needs within the Hurley community. She is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders, from staff to students and the community, feel included and valued in the education process.
“When you enter Hurley Elementary, there is an obvious feeling of excitement for learning and the leadership of Ms. Brown has been integral to the success of her staff in meeting her students’ needs and making them feel empowered and loved,” Dr. Kelly W. Withers, RSS Superintendent said.
Beginning Teacher of the Year - Lindsay Spalt
Lindsay Spalt, an English Language Learners (ELL) teacher at Carson High School, has been selected as the RSS 2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year. Spalt was recognized at an impromptu assembly in the atrium at Carson HS on September 22, 2023.
Spalt's innovative teaching practices and commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment have made a profound impact on ELL at Carson. She excels in engaging students and adapting her teaching methods to meet their diverse needs.
Spalt holds an undergraduate degree in English Creative Writing from Ohio University and has utilized her background to create an inclusive, positive classroom environment that bridges cultural barriers for ELL students at Carson. She is known for engaging students in impactful and varied activities that lead to success in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
One of Spalt’s key strengths is her willingness to adapt her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students. Under Spalt’s guidance, the ESL program at JCHS exceeded growth expectations last year.
“It’s always fulfilling to see the passion and energy in young teachers who are invested in changing the lives of students. Ms. Spalt’s investment in her first year was truly inspiring, and we have high hopes for her continued success in the Rowan-Salisbury School System,” Dr. Withers said.
The Rowan-Salisbury School District celebrates these two outstanding educators who inspire excellence and inclusivity in education.
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The Rowan-Salisbury School System’s mission is to inspire innovative and engaging learning experiences. RRS is committed to building academic excellence, growing students and staff through engaging experiences, reinforcing wellness, investing in talent, and supporting organizational foundations to best serve students and schools. With a commitment to fostering lifelong learning, the Rowan-Salisbury School System is preparing students for success in an ever-changing world of work and community.
