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District leaders surprised McClure and her students with the announcement during music class on Monday.

“Congratulations to Mrs. McClure on this well-deserved honor," said Mike Swan, superintendent of Burke County Public Schools. "She was first recognized by her peers as Drexel’s Teacher of the Year and then distinguished herself through a rigorous district-level selection process. Mrs. McClure exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator — her commitment to student success, innovative approach to teaching, and leadership within the school and district set her apart. We are proud to have her represent Burke County Public Schools at the regional level, and we know she will continue to inspire both her students and colleagues.�

Drexel Elementary Principal Leanna McKinney said, “Mrs. McClure is an exceptional educator whose dedication to her students and passion for teaching make her truly deserving of this recognition. She challenges her students to reach their highest potential while fostering a love for learning, and her leadership extends beyond her classroom as she mentors future educators and collaborates with colleagues to strengthen instruction. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful to have her as part of the Drexel family.�

McClure has taught math to Drexel fourth graders for seven years, following two years as a first-grade teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from UNC Wilmington with minors in English and psychology and a concentration in behavioral studies. She leads a math professional learning community, mentors student teachers and participates in the Burke County Public Schools Teacher Leaders’ Forum and district learning rounds. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in curriculum specialties from Appalachian State University.

“At the beginning of my career, I was simply excited to arrive for work and make positive changes in the lives of my students," McClure said. "Now that I have been teaching for nine years, I am still equally as excited to make a difference in the lives of students, but I have challenged myself to continue to grow and expand my own experience and knowledge as a teacher.�

McClure emphasizes the importance of student relationships. “I work to intentionally build relationships with all of my students, and I teach social-thinking strategies that allow students to form healthy relationships with one another. I strive to create a classroom community in which students feel safe, loved and empowered.�

She encourages young teachers to set high expectations.

“Our students deserve the absolute best education that we can offer, and that starts with teachers who believe that their students can achieve difficult goals,� McClure said.

A Hickory native and St. Stephens High School graduate, McClure always wanted to be a teacher.

“When I was in preschool, I came home from school, lined up my stuffed animals and taught them about the ‘letter of the day,’" McClure said. "I also subjected my younger brother to similar lessons when I was in elementary school. I never considered a different career path for myself, and I am so grateful that my choices have led me to BCPS.�

McClure and her husband, Kai, enjoy traveling, exploring bookstores, and spending time with their dogs and cats. She credits her parents, Chris and Amy Cook, for their unwavering support. In her rare free time, she loves to read and be with family and friends.

Each school selects a Teacher of the Year, who then advances to the district-level competition, culminating in an interview panel process. McClure will now represent Burke County at the regional level. She and all school-level honorees will be recognized at the April 7 Burke County Board of Education meeting.

Burke County Public Schools partners with Paramount Ford Hyundai of Valdese to purchase a vehicle for the Teacher of the Year to use for one year, covering insurance and maintenance. At the end of the year, the honoree has the option to buy the vehicle or return it, where it may be added to the district’s fleet or the driver’s education program.

The school-level Teacher of the Year winners are:

• Draughn High – Charity Williams
• Drexel Elementary – Melissa McClure
• East Burke High – William Guier
• East Burke Middle – Melinda Kennedy
• Forest Hill Elementary– Michelle Evans
• Freedom High – Laura McGlamery
• George Hildebrand Elementary – Donna Roe
• Glen Alpine Elementary – Jessica Revilla
• Hallyburton Academy – Amber Hicks
• Heritage Middle – Dia Hefner
• Hildebran Elementary – Amanda Underwood
• Hillcrest Elementary – Victoria Linder
• Icard Elementary – Crystal Sherrill
• Liberty Middle – Kristin Wilson
• Mull Elementary – Madge Goines
• Mountain View Elementary – Jeanette Cruz-Ruiz
• North Liberty – Libra Deaton
• Oak Hill Elementary – Jessica Parsons
• Patton High – Pamela Isbell
• Ray Childers Elementary – Hannah Crawford
• Salem Elementary – Laura Horton
• Table Rock Middle – Sarah Young
• Valdese Elementary – Taylor Reece
• W.A. Young Elementary – Lara White
• Walter Johnson Middle – Tina McMichael