On a usual day, Mr. Timothy Sanderson can usually be found at Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School, teaching fifth-grade students the basics of energy, ecosystems and everything else that makes up a 5th-grade science class. That’s where the Lenoir County Public Schools leadership team found him Wednesday morning, helping students quiz each other on new vocabulary they’ve learned. 

“For him, it's not just a job, it's his life. He is wonderful, day in, day out,” said Dr. Heather Walston, the principal at Contentnea-Savannah School. “He’s 100% a team player, always willing to help out, even though he's new.” 

That excitement and passion for teaching is why LCPS selected Mr. Sanderson as the 2024-2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year, a recognition he was shocked to receive. 

“There's so many schools and beginning teachers in the county, I just didn't think it would be me, so I’m super surprised. I had no clue, but I’m honored,” Mr. Sanderson said when he found out. 

An East Carolina University graduate, Mr. Sanderson just began his second year of teaching, but grew up watching his mother teach and saw how rewarding it was for her. After going back and forth on careers at ECU, he says his heart led him back to education, and he couldn’t be happier with his decision. 

“He has been such a positive addition to the CSS family. We could not be more proud of him,” Dr. Walston said. 

Mr. Sanderson will be recognized at the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting October 7th. 

“I’m glad that our administration and staff recognizes our hard work and dedication,” he said. “It really makes me feel like I'm right where I need to be.”