SANFORD, NC - Fresh out of East Carolina University, an enthusiastic Treshawn Penny returned to his alma mater, Lee Early College, accepting a position to teach Physical Science. His determination to make a difference and drive to help students in his hometown pushed him to excel, and this week he was surprised with the news that he was chosen as the 2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year for Lee County Schools.
“It was certainly a surprise. I just had no words,” said Penny as he reflected on the announcement. “My students didn’t know how to respond. I didn’t know how to respond. It just felt amazing to know that I have this huge community of people here to support me.”
Penny is now in his second year teaching at the school. He has shifted from Physical Science to teaching Chemistry. He thrives in teaching difficult topics and helping open the scientific world and method to his students. “People do say that science can be challenging, but I feel like there are so many things in science that I feel are misunderstood,” Penny explained.
“I want my students to know that regardless of whether or not they remember all the specifics of quantum mechanics or any other topic we cover in class, they can take scientific practices and apply them anywhere,” he continued. “They need to learn how to develop and use models. They need to understand how to analyze and use critical thinking skills about texts, to critique and evaluate the effectiveness of things in the real world all the time.”
Lee Early College Principal Kisha Timberlake had the pleasure of watching Treshawn Penny grow as a student and now see him flourish as an educator. “Teaching is both a science and an art. Treshawn is a master in both aspects,” she explained. “Watching Mr. Penny teach is like watching Picasso paint. His talent is innate and he is incredibly gifted. It has been a joy watching him grow and discover his passion for teaching!”
Penny highlighted his drive to help his students see things from multiple perspectives, even in the scientific world that some say is very concrete. “Some people say science has all of the answers, but I want my students to know that science doesn’t necessarily have all the answers. There are more things to it. There are social, political, and moral implications that have to be considered.” Penny detailed, “Our students will be facing so many different things in the media and other areas that they need to know how to sift through. Those are scientific skills that they have to be able to apply in the real world.”
At the end of the day, Mr. Penny just wants to see his students succeed, “I hope they learn that I am there for them, and that if they are dedicated to something, it may be super hard, but there will always be someone in their corner and they are capable of achieving their goals, no matter what they may be.”
