LCC Teacher Prep Students Shine as Local TA of the Year Winners
By: Cailyn Kennedy
Lenoir Community College is beaming with pride as not one—but two—of our outstanding Teacher Preparation program students have been recognized for their excellence in the classroom!
Salisa Cobb, a former Early Childhood Education student and current Teacher Preparation student at LCC, was recently named Instructional Assistant of the Year for both Moss Hill Elementary School and the Lenoir County Public Schools (LCPS) district. Salisa is actively pursuing her dream of becoming a lead teacher and hopes to transfer into East Carolina University’s Partnership Teach program to complete her degree and licensure.
Program Chair Sarah Beth Moore shared, “Salisa is such a bright light in our program. She’s hardworking, thoughtful, and truly passionate about becoming a teacher. Balancing school, work, and being a mom isn’t easy, but she does it with so much grace. We’re incredibly proud of her and excited to see her continue growing and making a difference.”
Jessica Riggs, another shining example of LCC excellence, is a graduate of both the Associate in Fine Arts and Teacher Preparation programs. Jessica was recently honored as the 2025 Teacher Assistant of the Year for both Snow Hill Primary School and Greene County Schools. She is currently enrolled in ECU’s Partnership Teach program as she works toward becoming a certified classroom teacher.
“Lenoir Community College was vital in shaping my journey and making me who I am today,” says Jessica. “They taught me so many wonderful things and thoroughly prepared me for my classes at ECU, where I’m currently studying to become a teacher, as well as for my current role at Snow Hill Primary School. I was fortunate to have incredible instructors like Caroline Murphrey, who was attentive to both my personal and educational needs. Her kind heart and dedication gave me the best educational opportunity I could have asked for, and I owe her and LCC my deepest gratitude.”
These achievements are not only a testament to Salisa and Jessica’s dedication and hard work—they also reflect the strength and impact of LCC’s Education programs. Through rigorous academic preparation and strong partnerships—like the one with ECU’s Partnership Teach—LCC is proud to help shape the next generation of educators right here in our own communities.
With graduates like Salisa and Jessica leading the way, it’s clear that LCC is preparing the best and brightest to inspire and shape the future. We can’t wait to see all they accomplish as they continue their journey toward becoming lead teachers!
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