Whitewater Academy teacher in running for top award

Brenda Halford of Whitewater Academy

Brenda Halford among finalists for CMS Teacher of the Year

Five top educators, including Brenda Halford of Whitewater Academy, are in the running for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teacher of the year. CMS will announce the winner on May 20. Meanwhile, here is some information from CMS about Brenda, who is already a winner in our eyes!

CLICK to read about the other excellent teachers up for this award.

Meet Brenda Halford of Whitewater Academy

Physical education teacher Brenda Halford has been shaping young minds and bodies at Whitewater Academy since 2008. The National Board-certified teacher has worked in CMS since 1993, teaching at Allenbrook, Thomasboro and Hornets Nest elementary schools before coming to Whitewater.

She earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Western Carolina University. As a CMS professional-development master teacher, Brenda helps other educatorss improve their instructional practices by having her classroom serve as a learning lab that teachers can visit to observe best practices. Brenda also facilitates movement-based learning workshops throughout the district.

Brenda says all her activities come from her passion for good health.

“The most important issue that I face as a teacher is the health and wellness of my students, school staff and community as a whole,” she said. “Statistics show childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Workplace stress is one of the biggest sources of stress in today’s world. At the school level, I actively promote health  and wellness through our health team.

“We bring awareness through providing nutrition, fitness facts and exercises on morning announcements, by providing fitness minutes at staff meetings, and by encouraging walking,” she said. Schools also can help faculty, staff and students by encouraging them to bring healthy snacks to school and by getting involved in outdoor activities such as hiking at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

– Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools profile