Jonie Stumbo ’19 is the 2021 recipient of the Page and Ed Kizer Beginning Teacher Award. The honor recognizes her commitment to the teaching profession and student motivation.
Given annually, the Kizer Beginning Teacher Award acknowledges an outstanding beginning teacher who is a graduate of one of UNC Charlotte’s undergraduate education programs and is in the first three years of professional experience at one of the University's 14-district school service regions.
Chris Hall, principal of Washington Elementary School in Shelby, North Carolina, where Stumbo serves as the lead pre-K teacher, said, “Ms. Stumbo is committed to providing a high quality early educational experience. She promotes school readiness for preschool students and encourages social emotional development. She plans new and challenging experiences. She strives to make the students' first school experience a positive one. She works with students to promote a growth mindset and foster self-confidence to promote independence.”
Stumbo graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development, and was on the Dean's List four times and a Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society member in 2019.