SURF CITY, NC - Pender County Schools is proud to recognize Surf City Elementary School’s Michelle Curry as the district’s first recipient of the Pillars of Practice “Culture Builder of the Month” Award as part of the PCS Beginning Teacher Support Program Awards.
Each month, the district will honor outstanding educators and mentors who exemplify excellence in teaching and leadership. The new Pillars of Practice recognition highlights individuals who build culture and relationships, collaborate with others, seek growth through reflection, and demonstrate innovation, equity, and engagement in their work. October’s pillar focused on creating a welcoming, positive, and motivating classroom culture and Ms. Curry embodies that ideal.
“Michelle, you are all of these things and more,” said Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator Lisa Godwin. “You’ve created a classroom that even I want to go into when I’m feeling stressed! It’s a warm, inviting space that truly supports student growth both academically and emotionally. The structure and routines you’ve built give your students the foundational security they need to be successful learners.”
Beyond her classroom, Ms. Curry serves as a mentor to two beginning teachers and as grade level chair, going above and beyond to support her colleagues. To build relationships with her mentees, she created a “Get to Know You” activity and used the results to make personalized gifts demonstrating her belief that strong relationships are the foundation for meaningful teaching and learning.
About Michelle Curry
Originally from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Ms. Curry earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and English from Moravian College and a master’s degree in Reading from Shippensburg University. She has spent 21 years in education, including nine years in Pender County Schools, teaching first grade for 13 years, serving as a kindergarten interventionist for one year, and working seven years as a reading specialist and literacy coach.
Ms. Curry lives in Hampstead with her husband, Grant, and their two children, Emma, a sophomore at Topsail High who cheers for the Pirates, and Matthew, an eighth grader at Surf City Middle who plays soccer for both his school and a travel team.
A Teacher Driven by “Why”
When asked why she chose education, Ms. Curry shared that her passion began with her niece. “I loved watching her grow up and seeing how she learned to do new things,” she said. “I love that light bulb moment when students learn something new, feel confident in themselves, and proud.”
Her professional “why” remains the same today: the kids. “I love building relationships with kids and making them feel special,” Ms. Curry said. “The reading specialist in me loves looking at data, learning what skills students need to work on, and providing interventions and enrichment to help them reach their goals. I try to do the little things that make kids feel special and excited about learning.”
Words of Wisdom
Ms. Curry also offered advice for beginning teachers and mentors across the district:
“Remember your ‘why,’ but also surround yourself with other educators who are positive, love learning, and can provide some light and laughter in your day. I’ve learned so much from other amazing teachers over the years and continue to keep my classroom fresh and exciting by learning from others.”