News

Teacher of the Year a 'value-added' contributor at Flat Rock Middle School

Megan Ford, shown with her husband, Ray, and children Grayson and Brylee, got a surprise celebration at Flat Rock Middle School on Friday after she was named Henderson County Teacher of the Year. [PHOTO BY MOLLY McGOWAN GORSUCH/Henderson County schools]

By Mitsy Jones, Published: May 27, 2019

Megan W. Ford, a seventh grade math and science teacher at Flat Rock Middle School, was awarded the 2019 Henderson County Teacher of the Year at a luncheon presented by AdventHealth held on Friday at the Hendersonville Country Club.

In presenting the award to Ford, Scott Rhodes, chief human resources officer for Henderson County Public Schools, said it gave him great pleasure to recognize Ford since he was the one who hired her nine years ago.
“Megan is a product of Henderson County public schools, who decided to come back and teach in the school system and community that help make her what she is today,” Rhodes said. “She is a phenomenal teacher who understands that to be highly effective you have to love your students and care for them first as people, then as students. She leads inside and outside the classroom. Every principal can attest that when you can hire folks that add value to your school, not only in the classroom but outside the classroom, those are extraordinary hires.”
Since starting at Flat Rock Middle, Ford has coached cheerleading, served on the school improvement team, leads her grade level PLCs, and works the athletic gates and concession stands. Last year, Ford spearheaded a project to brighten up the restrooms at Flat Rock Middle with inspirational quotes and fresh paint.
Ford now works at the school where she once walked the halls as a student.
“We all do this because we love it. We will always do it because we love it. I see many teachers here today that taught and mentored me,” she said. “I always knew when I was young that I wanted to be a teacher and I wanted to teach here. God opened doors for me to go to Flat Rock and get hired. Flat Rock is my commitment, Flat Rock is my community.”
The keynote speaker for the luncheon was Moriah Fender, student body president at West Henderson High.
“I have had teachers who challenged me,” Fender said. “They challenged the limitations I had set for myself because they saw that those limitations didn’t match the potential that I had. There were teachers who told me I had potential when I didn’t feel like I had much of a future. I’ve had teachers that told me I was smart right after I failed a test. I’ve had teachers that told me I was a leader even though didn’t feel like much of a leader. They always show up and they show up to do their best and encourage us. They are the ones that are building up our community and our world. They are building a foundation for our future and I am so grateful.”
In addition to the recognition she will receive as Teacher of the Year, Ford was presented a $1,000 check from AdventHealth.
Ford was selected from a pool of 23 teachers representing each public school in Henderson County. Other nominees were: Richard M. Bowerman, Apple Valley Middle; Caroline E. Moser, Atkinson Elementary; Alyssa L. Gangemi, Bruce Drysdale Elementary; Lisa A. Delaney, Career Academy; Lauren E. Matoian, Clear Creek Elementary; Jessica L. Feahr, Dana Elementary; Tyler W. Honeycutt, Early College; Bethany H. Croese, East Henderson High; Ganna P. Whitaker, Edneyville Elementary; Elizabeth J. Swanger, Etowah Elementary; Maria G. Gass, Fletcher Elementary; Stephanie L. Patton, Glenn C. Marlow Elementary; Lindsey C. Skidmore, Hendersonville Elementary; Chele W. Bradley, Hendersonville High; Anne K. Boyette, Hendersonville Middle; Debra A. Lanier, Hillandale Elementary; Michelle K. Dinardo, Mills River Elementary; Sue E. Moon, North Henderson High; Margaret P. DeCorah, Rugby Middle; Angela C. Goodman, Sugarloaf Elementary; Alicia B. Westbrook, Upward Elementary; Vanessa R. Price, West Henderson High.

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