Brandon Brown named NC Charter School Teacher of the Year

Brandon Brown sensed something was happening Thursday, when someone questioned his attire. Craig Smith, the interim principal at Lake Norman Charter school and Brown’s boss, had worked with his staff to keep a secret.

But, with that question, Brown figured it out. He had been chosen as the N.C. Charter School Teacher of the Year for 2016.

Under the ruse of an “evacuation drill” the gymnasium was full. Smith explained that he had deceived the teachers and students. The place erupted in applause and cheers as the announcement was made. Then Smith introduced Colleen Ledley, Brown’s high school history teacher from Ithaca, N.Y., and Brown turned his back to hide his emotions.

Brown’s family came forward. After hugging his wife, Sarah, Brown picked up his daughter, Harper, 4, and proudly waved the sign his family had made. Then he accepted his award.

Out of 146 charter schools in North Carolina, a teacher at Lake Norman Charter has won the award two years in a row. Sixth-grade science teacher Elizabeth Padgett won last year’s award. Addressing the crowd, she said, “Students in (Brown’s) class don’t want to take a break to go to the bathroom, because they are afraid they will miss something.”

Smith said Brown has elevated the school’s social studies program.

“Great teachers always impact the students in their classroom. Brandon impacts students in other classrooms because of the way he influences and collaborates with his colleagues,” Smith said.

Sarah Cheeley, 18, is a senior who went through Brown’s AP History class.

“He always made sure it wasn’t boring,” Cheeley said. “AP History was known as the hardest class in school, but he helped me and I made a five on the exam, which gave me college credit.”

Cheeley said she is considering a political science major because Brown peaked her interest in history.

Brown, an admitted introvert, said he has a simple philosophy, “Kids are kids, don’t forget that. Try to remember what it feels like to be a kid. It helps you build a rapport.”

Brown is in his 11th year teaching and came to Lake Norman Charter in 2012. Using a dry humor, he is known as a friend to the students. He said he gets much of his teaching style from his 11th grade history teacher, Ledley.

She also served as his mentor when he returned to Ithaca High School, early in his career. He took over her class when she was promoted to principal.

Even though he had an idea he was going to get the award, Brown said he was surprised by his family and friends who came to share in the event.

“The reaction of the students was overwhelming,” he said.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Brandon Brown named NC Charter School Teacher of the Year."