by: Vittoria Quinci

Among the teachers at Lee County High School there are excellent mentors coming from all over the state. Science teacher, Stephen Roman, is proof of this as he was declared best science teacher in all NC districts in September of this year.

He was awarded by the North Carolina science teacher association and received the award in November at the North Carolina Science Teachers Association meeting. According to Roman, he received the award because he does everything that good teachers should do.

“I think a good teacher should always do what’s best for students,” he said.

The award certainly represents a source of pride for him, enough to express the following words.

“I’m humbled because, you know, sometimes you don’t think you’re doing a great job,” he said.

Roman said he would like to thank all the teachers of his discipline, because “I wouldn’t be able to be the teacher I am without the support of other teachers in our school, at Southern Lee and at the district so it’s kind of an award that really recognizes a lot of people,” Roman stated.

Indeed, it was the very teachers who were so dear to him who nominated him, certainly because, working at LCHS since 2005, they had the opportunity to come into contact with the method he used for teaching.

One of these is science teacher Patience Whitehead, who underlines how much he is prepared in the scientific field, how in his study program he embraces all the relevant subjects, such as chemistry, IB chemistry, physiology science and others. “No matter how busy he is, he always makes time to listen, encourage and motivate,” Whitehead said.

To then underline all the improvements made for our campus, such as the fact that he implemented the LCHS Scientific Olympiad, how he provided support to new teachers simply by sharing and simplifying teaching practices within his classroom.

This summer, Roman led and facilitated a summer school program geared towards our English Language Learner population. The program helps students earn course credit in classes such as Physical Science and World History in a smaller learning environment over the summer. Students are able to share their knowledge through presentations of their learning process. “This program addressed not only the diverse academic needs of students, but it also allowed students and teachers an opportunity to build meaningful, supportive relationships, which Mr. Roman excels at,” Whitehead explained.

Students really appreciate how he uses interactive methods in his lessons, like student Skylar Casey. “I like how, whenever he teaches us things, he does activities, so it helps us,” she said. And they also notice the passion he uses for his work. “He relates to the students.

“He understands that you’re doing stuff as well and he tries to help you with your situation,” Casey began.

“Mr. Stephen Roman is a true asset to our school and community, Whitehead said. “I do not believe there is another individual more deserving of this award than he.”