Graham County Schools recognizes Teachers of the Year
It is the time of year when school bells and referee whistles tickle your ears; when students head back into the classroom; teachers enter those classroom doors and begin to plan for another year of instruction with a new group of students; and fear of the unknown situations that can and – probably will – arise.
The profession of teaching is similar to motherhood or fatherhood. An educated individual takes a group of children under their wings for a while and pours as much knowledge, skill and love into the students as possible. They will spend endless hours on lesson plans, activities that will engage the students and fit into what the students are interested in, and what they are struggling with. They will engage in the lives of these children and invest in their future.
All too soon, the year will end, another group of students will enter their classroom, and the cycle will begin again.
Graham County Schools is blessed with amazing teachers who truly care about their students, their school and their community. The district recently announced its Teachers of the Year: Analisa Collins (Robbinsville Elementary School), Sandra Lane (Robbinsville Middle School) and Andrea Adams (Robbinsville High School).
Adams was also selected as Graham County Schools’ system-wide Teacher of the Year.
Analisa Collins
Collins started her teaching career 15 years ago and teaches fifth grade science. Before entering the field of education, she spent 15 years in the medical field.
Collins is not your typical teacher: she believes learning should be fun. In her classroom, there is a lot of moving around, singing, talking and dancing.
“You may find me standing on a desk, trying to keep the students engaged,” Collins said.
Collins absolutely loves teaching. She believes it is fun and the easiest part of the job is the actual teaching.
“The hard part is seeing students in situations that you can’t do anything about,” Collins added. “Without my faith and support of my family, I would not be able to continue. Teaching is a calling. It is a serious undertaking and I feel honored to have the opportunity to teach.”
Collins is married to Randy Collins, an agricultural agent at the Graham County Cooperative Extension Office. They have one daughter – who is an early childhood intervention specialist – and a granddaughter.
Sabrina Lane
Lane is a highly-motivated educator with a strong foundation in mathematics. For the past decade, Lane has dedicated herself to the field of education in the sixth-grade classroom in mathematics.
Her classroom experience is rewarding and fulfilling allowing her to make an imprint upon the academic achievements of her students.
Beyond the classroom, Lane’s life is enriched by her family. She and her husband Alan have five children and 10 grandchildren. Lane says,
“Family is at the core of my life and I find immense joy in spending quality with them,” Lane said.
Andrea Adams
Adams graduated from Robbinsville High School in 1999 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Before entering education, Adams worked as a nurse for 21 years.
She began her education career at Robbinsville High School in 2014. Adams has been the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) advisor for the last 10 years. Her students have earned top spots at the state HOSA Leadership Conference and earned a place at the International Conference for several years. Her club has also earned four Gold Star Chapter awards. Adams also received a Gold Star Advisor award for the 2023-24 school year.
Adams is currently on the board for the MedCaT program for Western North Carolina with the Center for Native Health. She is also employed by Western Carolina University as a PENC nursing mentor for new registered nurses in North Carolina. She has been married for 25 years to Tommy and together, the couple has three sons: Reece, Brock and Bryce. Adams has enjoyed watching each of them play sports.
Adams was also chosen as the District Teacher of the Year. She will develop a portfolio to highlight her work and philosophy and a selection committee will review the portfolios. She will appear before an interview committee to determine the North Carolina Teacher of the Year. The winner of the N.C. Teacher of the Year will go on to compete nationally.