Jonie Stumbo ’19 Earns 2021 Page and Ed Kizer Beginning Teacher of the Year Award

The Cato College of Education is proud to recognize Jonie Stumbo 19’ with the 2021 Page and Ed Kizer Beginning Teacher Award, honoring Stumbo’s commitment to the teaching profession and student motivation.

The award annually recognizes an outstanding beginning teacher who is a graduate of one of UNC Charlotte’s undergraduate education programs and is in the first three years of professional experience at one of the university’s 14-district school service regions.

“Ms. Stumbo is committed to providing a high quality early educational experience. She promotes school readiness for preschool students and encourages social emotional development. She plans new and challenging experiences. She strives to make the students’ first school experience a positive one. She works with students to promote a growth mindset and foster self-confidence to promote independence,” said Chris Hall, principal of Washington Elementary School in Shelby, North Carolina, where Stumbo serves as the lead pre-K teacher.

Stumbo graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development, and was on the Dean’s List four times and a Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society member in 2019.

“She has been observed helping students work through potential conflict by teaching them to identify, manage and express their feelings while also recognizing and responding to the needs and feelings of others. She creates a classroom environment that is safe and joyful,” Principal Hall said.

Stumbo will receive a $1,500 honorarium for the award.

In her free time, Stumbo is an active community member, volunteering at the Gaston County 4H Club, and is the assistant director of Son Ridge Farm in Kings Mountain, an agritourism business that focuses on character building and teamwork.