Rodney Pierce, a eighth-grade social studies teacher at William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy, has been selected as the North Carolina Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year.

Confirmation of the award came in the form of a letter dated today from the council’s executive board.

“After a rigorous selection process, the NCCSS executive board wants to spotlight your passions and contributions to social studies education.”

The honor comes with an award check of $1,000 which will be presented at the annual statewide social studies conference luncheon and an invitation to join the executive board as an honoree member for next year.

He will be encouraged to share his experiences and expertise by presenting a session topic of his choice for the 2020 annual conference. “You will work with the board at the state level to be the voice for social studies educators.”

“I’m very appreciative to the board for nominating me as a finalist and electing me as teacher of the year,” Pierce said this afternoon. “It’s a culmination of four years of teaching and a credit to the Halifax County School System that educated me as well the district’s beginning teacher program that prepared me for my job.”

Pierce credited his sixth-grade English teacher, Charlene Nicholson, for getting him started on furthering his academic pursuits when she encouraged him to apply for an American South fellowship, which he was granted.

“I’m elated,” he said. “I really can’t put it in words how it feels to be recognized as the top social studies teacher in the state.”