ELIZABETHTOWN — The list of teachers from the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching for its inaugural Beginning Teacher of the Year Award includes a representative from East Bladen High School.

Lara Johnson is a health science teacher and is among the 27 finalists. Those selected are being recognized for their dedication, innovation and ability to inspire students to achieve, a release from Bladen County Schools says.

Johnson was a nurse prior to joining the East Bladen faculty this year. The release says Johnson “believes that building relationships is the foundation for facilitating learning for all students.”

In the release, Principal Dr. Jason Wray said, “She clearly articulates an innovative thought process that has given her students a purpose and feeling of belonging.”

The selection is scheduled for Dec. 5 in Cullowhee. The winner receives $5,000 cash, participation in a GoGlobal North Carolina trip to Australia in 2020, and instructional supply funds for the school. The runner-up receives a $2,000 cash prize.

Lara Johnson
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_Lara-Johnson.jpgLara Johnson

Bladen Journal