Greene County Schools celebrate 2025 Teachers of the Year
Written by Matt Lococo
Snow Hill - Greene County Schools is proud to announce the 2025 Teachers of the Year, a group of outstanding educators whose dedication, passion, and resilience have left lasting impacts on their students and schools.
Representing Greene Central High School is Lisa Johnson, a veteran in healthcare education with over 40 years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. After earning degrees from Pitt Community College and the University of Mount Olive, Johnson began teaching health science in 2015. She cherishes sharing real-world medical knowledge and strives to make learning more hands-on and engaging. Her motto for students and peers alike is “Always try to do your best.”
At the Greene County Pre-K Center, Jennifer Heath shines as a nurturing early childhood educator. A graduate of East Carolina University, Heath took a nontraditional route to the classroom, balancing full-time work and night classes over several years. Her goal is to make learning fun and impactful through play-based instruction. She urges educators to “Be Salty,” inspiring students to thirst for knowledge and love learning.
Jessica Oakes, a fifth-grade teacher at West Greene Elementary, brings 17 years of experience, including 14 at Greene County Intermediate School. A proud ECU graduate, Oakes recently embraced the challenge of a new grade and curriculum with just days' notice—and thrived. Her guiding principle is “What is best for my students?” Oakes values working directly with children and fostering their growth.
Janice Taylor, also at West Greene, emphasizes relationships and resilience. Despite facing significant health challenges, Taylor remains committed to her students and the power of social-emotional learning. Her wisdom is simple yet profound: “Mistakes are proof that you are trying. Learning is a journey, not a race.”
At Greene County Middle School, Allison Crowder brings enthusiasm and heart to her classroom. Originally trained in nutrition and dietetics at ECU, Crowder discovered her true calling in education. She now holds a master’s in education and is pursuing National Board Certification. Her favorite classroom moments involve reading novels aloud and sparking rich discussions. She lives by Colossians 3:23—doing all things with heart and purpose.
Jessica Riggs was chosen as Snow Hill Primary’s Teacher of the Year. Heather Davis from Greene Early College High School was chosen as this year's 2025 Greene County Teacher of the Year. An article featuring Mrs. Davis is being published separately to highlight this great achievement.
Together, these seven exceptional educators embody the spirit of teaching in Greene County: dedicated, compassionate, and always striving to make a difference.
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