2025 Teacher of the Year – Kristen Spell

Kristen Spell is honored to represent NCVPS as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Kristen has been teaching Middle and High School Sciences with NCVPS for two and a half years and is a passionate educator. She has been a part of the NCVPS launch of the In Real Time (IRT) program and is also 6^th Grade Science Course Lead and a Mentor with NCVPS.

Ann’s experience at NCVPS has made her believe that the key to creating successful schools with thriving classrooms and confident teachers is directly related to leadership opportunities.

Kristen grew up in Clinton, North Carolina, and graduated from North Carolina State University in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Science Education and is a licensed 6-12 Science teacher. After graduation, she taught 8^th grade science for 5 years at Hobbton Middle School and was the 2017-18 Teacher of the Year. She then taught High School Chemistry and other sciences at Harrells Christian Academy for 4 years. Currently, she serves as a middle school science teacher in the NCVPS IRT program, where she continues to inspire students with her dedication to learning and education.

In addition to her teaching career, she was honored as a recipient of the North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship, an achievement that helped shape her commitment to the field. She also serves as Chaplain in the Alpha Pi chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Educational Sorority.

Outside of the classroom, Kristen is actively involved in her church. She and her husband, Justin are both ordained ministers with the North Carolina International Pentecostal Holiness Church and have served as Youth Pastors at The Journey Church in Dunn, NC. She also loves to sing and has sung the National Anthem at a Durham Bulls game. Kristen has been married to her husband, Justin for 11 years and together they have three boys. Her diverse interests and experiences reflect her commitment to both personal growth and giving back to those around her.

Recharge, Reflect, and GROW! by Kristen Spell, NCVPS TOY 2025

Summer is a well-deserved break for teachers, offering a chance to recharge and reflect after a busy school year. While many envision relaxing beach vacations or time spent with family, summer also provides a golden opportunity for personal growth and professional development. Here are some ideas as we look to balance relaxation with self-improvement.

1. Recharge
First and foremost, relax! Easier said than done, right? Teaching can be physically and emotionally draining, so taking the time to truly unwind is essential. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or just binge-watching a favorite show, finding activities that allow you to clear your mind is key to returning to the classroom feeling refreshed and ready for the new year. It’s also the perfect time to connect with family and friends. Vacations, get-togethers, and downtime are also a fun way to recharge during summer. My husband and I enjoy fun outings with our sweet boys. Seeing them play and have fun fills my heart with so much joy! I tend to do a blend of family and personal time which ranges from trips to the beach or trampoline park to reading a book or decluttering/organizing around our (chaotic) home. Summer also offers many opportunities to stay active. Joining a fitness class, hiking, swimming, or simply taking walks in nature can reduce stress and keep you energized. The underlying theme here is the same: take time to recharge during summer. It is vital!

2. Reflect
Summer is also an ideal time for self-reflection. It never fails–the end of the school year is BUSY! I often have no time to reflect during these last moments of the year. So, making time to reflect is something I do annually. Plan some intentional time to think back on the school year—What worked well? What didn’t? What could be improved? This can be done through journaling, setting aside time each week to reflect, or even discussing with fellow teachers. By identifying successes and challenges, we can make more intentional adjustments to our teaching strategies for the upcoming year. In a virtual setting, I tend to reflect on communication and engagement throughout the year and how I can implement some new strategies to encourage increased communication and engagement from students, parents, and ELAs.

3. Grow!
Once we have taken time to recharge and reflect, we can seek out and participate in professional development to continue to grow in our craft. Summer is a great time for professional growth. As educators, we get the unique opportunity to explore new teaching methods, tools, and technologies that can enhance our classroom experiences–whether in-person or virtual. There are numerous online courses, workshops, and conferences designed for educators to improve our skills. These opportunities not only enrich our teaching practices, but they also offer a refreshing change from typical school routines. Whether it’s learning about new curriculum strategies or exploring topics in education that interest you, professional development can be energizing!

We know from experience that summers for us aren’t all about work or all play. It’s about finding a balance between rejuvenation, reflection, and growth. Whether you spend your summer catching up on self-care or diving into professional development, remember that this time is meant to recharge and prepare you for the year ahead. And, as always, make sure to leave room for spontaneity and flexibility—summer is for enjoying the present, after all! Enjoy your summer!

2009 – 2025 TOY Recipients: