ODU doctoral student named Regional Teacher of the Year in N.C.

Vann Lassiter, a doctoral student of occupational and technical studies in Old Dominion University's STEM education and professional studies department, recently was named the Northeast Region Teacher of the Year in North Carolina.

A business teacher at John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, the 25-year-old Lassiter is among eight teachers who will vie for state Teacher of the Year recognition this spring. A North Carolina Teaching Fellow, Lassiter holds bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina State University.

"We couldn't be more proud of Vann," commented Allan Smith, superintendent of Edenton-Chowan Schools. "He is an outstanding teacher who is passionate about his students and community and he is dedicated to providing unique learning opportunities for our students.

"He is a model for his profession and a role model for his students and colleagues. His energy and enthusiasm is inspiring for any young person aspiring to become a teacher," said Smith.

A product on the Edenton-Chowan School System, Lassiter is in his fourth year at John A. Holmes, where he teaches digital communication systems and computer applications.

The North Carolina Teacher of the Year program provides an opportunity to honor and recognize exemplary teachers in the state and to call attention to the importance of the teaching profession. The program is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year Program presented by the ING Foundation, a project of the Council of the Chief State Officers of Schools.