Excellent Educators is a WAVY-TV 10 initiative to celebrate local teachers who have gone above and beyond for their students and communities during the last academic year. These Excellent Educators were nominated by their school divisions. Congratulations to these educators for all of their hard work and accomplishments!

Name: April Swain

Division: Bertie County Schools

Position: Kindergarten at Windsor Elementary School

What the school division said about this Excellent Educator: April Swain teaches kindergarten at Windsor Elementary School. She has been named both our school and our district’s Teacher of Year. Swain’s dedication to her students, parents, and school has earned her this honor. She has a close relationship with each of her students. She strives to ensure that each student leaves better than she received them. Swain is passionate about ensuring that all students, not just those in her classroom, have the opportunity to receive a quality education.

As an ambassador for PBS Rootle, she planned and successfully executed an event at Windsor Elementary School that benefited the entire community. When it comes to educating students, she has a huge heart. Her favorite quote is, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

WAVY TV 10’s Kiahnna Patterson has a chance to speak with this educator.

April Swain is the teacher of the year at Windsor elementary and for the entire school district. Swain’s Kindergarten students have daily affirmations and encouragement. Most of the kids in the class are already accelerated readers.

“I hope to bring that love for learning and reading back. I know that starting them young is what will give them that love and that foster for learning and reading. That will hopefully roll over into their adulthood,” she said.

Swain created the ‘I am Me’ development center to help students in other states.

“I would like to be a positive shining light to those who may not have that where they are,” said Swain.

Windsor Elementary Principal Clara Lee nominated Mrs. Swain for the Excellent Educator series because of her dedication to her work in and out of the classroom.

“She will not allow any of her students to fail,” said Lee. 

Swain said the nomination is an honor, “it shows that I am valued, and I am appreciated. I am making a difference!”