Education

I graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Reading Certified K-12 in December of 1996.

Experience

My teaching career began in January 1997 as a Kindergarten teacher. It was a wonderful experience to be in the classroom and teach the little ones. Next, I moved to second grade for 3 years. I enjoyed being with my students and had a desire to loop up to 3rd grade with them. It was an amazing year! I remained in 3rd grade for 4 more years. Then I joined my second grade team again for 1 year. Finally, my dream came true to move to the beach. I began working for Dixon Elementary School in 2006 as a 1st grade teacher. I looped up with my class to 2nd grade. And moved to 3rd grade as a reading and writing block teacher. Once again I joined my 2nd grade team and remained for 7 years. In 2016-2017, I joined the Kindergarten team. It's been an exciting three years and I'm looking forward to another great year. I enjoy working with a team of teachers who truly are inspiring and loving.

Bio

It’s Mrs. Kearney

I share your vision to inspire inquiry, promote life-long learning, and instill leadership. My first licensed experience in the education field was with Hertford County Public Schools. I served as an educator in kindergarten, second grade, and third grade. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to transition from a rural community to a military community. As an educator that maintains a lifestyle to support our military, I welcome the opportunity to foster academic success in all students, no matter the challenge.

My road to becoming an educator was achieved as an older adult. After working in retail merchandising for ten years, I was ready to go to college. As a mother of four children, I knew my heart was in elementary education. With the support of a loving family, I completed my teaching degree at East Carolina University. It was the beginning of a life-long dream. I felt a strong level of success playing a role in the lives of my students.

Once in the classroom, I continued to follow my desire to learn more alongside my teammates co-planning, co-teaching, and assessing students along their own trajectory of learning. After a few years in the classroom, I became a mentor. I continued to hone my practice, showcase my talent in the classroom, and demonstrate my dedication to my students and my profession by studying the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Energized by my students, I furthered my education in leadership and language and literacy.

As a teacher, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators to facilitate communication between the district office and grade level teachers at the school level.

I’ve lived in the Topsail area for 13 years and have four great children. I am so excited to be a part of Dixon Elementary School. Here’s to an amazing year!

Philosophy of Education

Life is a journey that invites us to adapt to new ideas. Being educated gives us the ability to learn from others and to share information that supports our future generations. Literate individuals share the passion to teach, to take in knowledge, to share, to listen, and to grow. Literacy drives amazing cultural communities, those with can-do attitudes, and a better understanding of the journeys that lay ahead. It allows students to reflect on their accomplishments, as well as setting goals for the future.

I am fascinated by the opportunity to impact students by helping them develop skills they need to compete in a challenging global market. Teachers use their imagination and ingenuity to bring the subject to life in ways students will always remember. WE are the very being of what moves society forward.

 I teach others so that they can learn how to do so themselves. I pride myself on motivating, inspiring, and leading my students to become leaders amongst their peers.