What do you get when you combine a dedicated math teacher with 28 years of experience at Fairview Elementary with a commitment to mentoring fellow educators? The answer is Jennifer Gortney, who has been honored as the 2024-25 Buncombe County Schools Math Teacher of the Year.
She was surprised with the announcement during a pop-up celebration in her classroom Wednesday.
“It’s so important to me to help you all understand math,” Ms. Gortney shared, tearing up in front of her class. “It’s something I struggled with when I was your age. We all don’t learn the same way, and I try to help you learn in the way that’s best for you.”
Those methods include math games, which the students were preparing to play when their teacher received her special surprise.
“Jennifer Gortney has been a teacher leader for many years and still continually stretches herself to try new instructional approaches in her classroom,” said Meg McKee, lead math coach for elementary and intermediate grades in Buncombe County Schools. “We’re so proud to recognize her hard work.”
Ms. Gortney, who teaches second grade, adds that helping students learn basic math skills in her class is only part of the equation.
“The foundation of the mathematical learning community in my classroom begins with the personal relationship I build with each of my students. Children are perceptive, and therefore must feel loved, safe, and valued to excel as students,” Ms. Gortney said. “Building the mathematical learning community helps me consider not only the academic needs of my students, but their social and emotional needs as well. Feeling valued and heard is an important part of belonging to a learning community. Reflecting on students' feelings about learning helps me design instruction that nurtures their strengths and improves their willingness to learn.”
