District names Teachers of the Year
Robbinsville – Teachers at Graham County schools are busy packing up supplies, moving desks and furniture out of their classrooms, and wrapping up end-of-school tasks.
As they finish the year, they are also taking time out to recognize a fellow teacher at each school to honor and celebrate as their Teacher of the Year. This is a coveted award, because it is voted on by their peers. There is no greater honor than to be recognized by those who work beside you.
This year, Robbinsville Elementary has chosen Teresa Moody as its Teacher of the Year; Dale Farr received the most votes at Robbinsville Middle School and Ben Davis took home the distinction for Robbinsville High School.
Teresa Moody
Moody attended Graham County Schools at one time – but being the daughter of a minister, she graduated from Brevard High School in 1989.
She is a 1993 graduate of Western Carolina University, where she obtained a degree in education.
After graduation, she married Graham County native Russell Moody.
The couple have two children – Sydney and Koda, who were raised in the county.
This fall, Moody will begin her 27th year of teaching at Robbinsville Elementary. She taught 1st grade for the first 15 years of her career, and she has been in the 4th-grade classroom for the last 12 years.
She will be teaching 5th grade in the fall and is excited for the change.
“It is an honor to be nominated for Teacher of the Year,” said Moody. “I am very appreciative, blessed and thankful to receive recognition for my educational career. As a child, I played school and always wanted to be a teacher. I am thankful that my parents supported me and provided me with a good education to help me pursue my dream.”
Assistant Principal Warren Knott backed up the votes by noting that Moody is a vital part of Robbinsville Elementary School.
“Mrs. Moody is a fantastic educator and really takes a lot of pride in her students’ success,” Knott said. “She is a great co-worker and a tremendous asset to RES.”
Dale Farr
A homegrown boy from the East Buffalo community, Farr is a 1977 graduate of Robbinsville High School.
He went on to obtain a degree in education from Mars Hill College, where he also played football. After college, Farr taught in the Georgia school system for 38 years, then returned to his hometown where he has been a physical education teacher at Robbinsville Middle School, as well as the institution’s track coach and assistant varsity football coach.
“I am honored and thankful to receive this award,” said Farr. “I went into the teaching profession because of the wonderful teachers I had growing up in Robbinsville. I came home to teach because I wanted to repay the community and school that meant so much to me in my life. I was born a Black Knight, I was raised a Black Knight, and I will die a Black Knight.”
Robbinsville Middle School Principal Tonia Walsh had plenty of praise for the beloved teacher.
“Dale Farr, the embodiment of passion, leadership, and excellence,” Walsh began. “His impact extends far beyond the gymnasium and playing fields. With an unwavering commitment to fostering physical and mental well-being, Farr instills in students a lifelong love for fitness, teamwork, and personal growth. Through his exceptional coaching, he inspires athletes to push boundaries, chase dreams and discover their true potential.
“Coach Farr’s dedication to empowering young minds transcends the classroom, creating a legacy of resilience, sportsmanship and character. He has set the bar high for educators everywhere, reminding us of how the power of mentorship and strong spirit can shape champions both on and off the field.
“Robbinsville Middle School is so blessed to have Coach Farr as a part of our staff and call him friend.”
Ben Davis
Davis is another homegrown boy from the Stecoah community. He graduated from Robbinsville High School in 2000 and then attended North Carolina State University, where he received a degree in Microbiology. He then received a Master’s in Microbiological Biotechnology while teaching in the biology lab at North Carolina State.
Davis taught science at Robbinsville Middle School for five years, before joining the high school science team. He has taught science in Graham County Schools for a total of 16 years.
He has been responsible for receiving multiple grants for the science program.
This year, he received the Burroughs Wellcome Award, good for a cool $175,000. The CAST Award is a Career Award for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teachers, which brings $10,000 a year into Graham County Schools for conferences and training, and an additional $10,000 a year for supplies.
Davis is the advisor to the Science Club at Robbinsville High and advisor to a middle school club for girls, dubbed “Sci Girls.”
He and his wife Amber – who is the elementary school counselor – have two daughters, Charlotte and Cora.
“Mostly, I want to thank all the Graham County educators that have inspired me through the years, especially my parents who were both educators in the Graham County School System,” Davis said.
Robbinsville High School Assistant Principal Erica Sawyer was quick to explain how Davis goes the extra mile for both students and faculty.
“Mr. Ben Davis is a great science teacher for Robbinsville High School,” Sawyer said. “He goes above and beyond classroom expectations to build relationships with students. He is a team player and works well with all staff members.
“He is truly an asset to our school.”