ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW)
When Kelli Madkins walked into the Asheville Middle School gymnasium Wednesday, she thought it was for an eighth-grade photo shoot. Instead, the English Language Arts instructor was greeted by cheers, hugs, a few screams, flowers and balloons.
The ambush event was a celebration of Madkins having been named Asheville City Schools’ Teacher of the Year.
“I thought we were taking a picture celebrating our eighth-grade year,” she said, still a little breathless from the surprise celebration. “I was not expecting this.”
Madkins, one of nine instructors chosen as teacher of the year for their respective schools, went through an interview process before being selected for the district honor. Now, she will compete to be North Carolina’s state’s Teacher of the Year.
“We have some amazing educators in this district. What’s the saying? Iron sharpens iron,” Madkins said with a nod to her coworkers.
This is her seventh year teaching in the Asheville City Schools district.
“These students, I actually taught some of them in the fifth grade. I tease them. I tell them I’m following them,” she said laughing.
Madkins, who taught for seven years in Texas before coming to North Carolina, believes her success as a teacher comes from her students.
“We have to lift them up and help them meet expectations,” she said.
But she’s not afraid to have fun.
“I like to have a good time,” Madkins said. “School is a lot of work. I’m not afraid to have fun or be goofy, at least that’s what my students tell me. When it comes to learning, I’m all in.”