A Douglas Byrd Middle School science teacher Talicia Smith, has been recognized as the Cumberland County School District's  2023 Teacher of the Year.  

Cumberland County Schools continues to recognize the hard work and achievements of its staff members. At the first in person meeting since 2020, CCS bestowed the award during a celebration for educators themed Together We Will Rise: A Teacher’s Perspective. 

Smith started her teaching career with the Cumberland County school system in 2012,and has more than 16 years of teaching experience. She earned her master’s in educational leadership in 2019 from Queens University in Charlotte.

Smith believes that, in order to fully engage in the learning process, students must understand their value, purpose and impact on society. With a focus on social responsibility and collaboration.
 

 "As a science teacher, I teach physical and life sciences, but there are many days that I teach about life and science," Smith shared in a press release. 

Along with being an educator who highlights highlight various cultures and their contributions to society in her class, she frequently has English as a Second Language students in her classes and encourages them to share in their native languages and understand the world around them. 

“Every student is capable of success,” said Smith in a press release “They must only be shown the way and assisted as they learn, grow and make mistakes.”

According to Smith’s LinkedIn page, this is the second time she has been awarded Teacher of the Year while at Douglas Byrd Middle school, with the first being in 2017-2018. 

As the county-wide winner, Smith will advance to compete for the regional title.