‘Teacher of the Month’ gets A+ report from students and parents

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Schools across the Cape Fear are preparing for Thanksgiving break next week, which means it’s time to highlight WWAY’s teacher of the month. 

This month’s submission comes from John J. Blair Elementary School in Wilmington, where a beginning teacher is already gaining a reputation of excellence. 

Addison McKinney teaches third grade at Blair and is in her third year of teaching. Within that relatively young career, McKinney has made waves for her ability to engage with her students.  

A graduate of UNCW’s Watson College, Mckinney says she developed her passion for teaching at a young age.  

“My mom is actually a teacher, I’ve grown up with her being a teacher, helped her so much in the classroom, and so always looked up to her. She’s my biggest role model and I just knew since I was little I wanted to be a teacher,” McKinney said.  

When asked why she chose to teach younger students, McKinney says it’s their insatiable curiosity that makes the hard work worth it.  

“I enjoy seeing the joy of them and getting to watch them grow from the small all the way up to fifth grade age but just the love and wonder they have for learning is what I really enjoy,” McKinney explained.  

Principal Aaron Livengood, who nominated McKinney, describes her joy as infectious.  

“I think it’s just the attitude and energy she brings everyday. She puts students first,” Livengood said. 

Livengood adds you shouldn’t just take his word for it. McKinney’s students and their parents tell the same story.  

“Oh my gosh they love her,” Livengood said. “In three short years we already have parents requesting to have their child in her class the following year. So, I think that just speaks to the kind of person she is with students.”