Kadey Phillips Jones
Robbinsville – Graham County Schools just wrapped up another year of education and in turn, each institution elected a teacher that demonstrates outstanding leadership and excellence as its Teacher of the Year.
Robbinsville Elementary announced Kadey Phillips Jones as its selection; Robbinsville Middle picked Becky Brock; and Robbinsville High named Billy Knight to the esteemed spot.
Kadey Phillips Jones
Jones began her teaching career nine years ago. She received her associate degree from Tri-County College while she was attending Robbinsville High School. After graduation, Jones attended Western Carolina University and received a degree in elementary education.
While teaching at Robbinsville Elementary, she has obtained a national board certification in early childhood development.
“Since I began teaching, the profession has evolved to emphasize social-emotional learning," Jones reflected. "Students increasingly require support in problem-solving, emotional regulation, and critical thinking. I value the opportunity to shape children academically while also addressing their individual needs and providing personalized support."
Jones is currently pursuing a master’s degree at North Carolina State University and plans to attain a dual licensure in both school and clinical counseling.
“My goals are to one day use my knowledge and skills as an educator to provide meaningful counseling services to children,” added Jones.
Becky Brock
Brock received a bachelor's degree in education from Western Carolina University and obtained her master’s degree in education from Piedmont College.
She taught at Robbinsville Elementary for 21 years before joining the faculty at Robbinsville Middle School, where Brock has been an eighth-grade science teacher for the last eight years.
“I see behaviors in the classroom much differently than when I first began my career," Brock explained. "Many times, home life greatly impacts a student’s day at school. You must get to know your kids and build relationships. Let them know you care. Paying attention to their behaviors will be your biggest asset when determining if something is truly an issue or them just acting out because they are bothered by something.
"There are times when a science lesson is not what the kid needs when they are experiencing hardships in some area of their life."
She also offered some advice to new teachers, while focusing on winding down her educational career.
“Know your kids," Brock said. "Get to know them and what is normal for them, If they are acting out of their normal, there is usually an external reason.
“As I am nearing the end of my career, my goal is to finish strong. I want to be the best teacher for my kids and the best co-worker for my wonderful middle school staff.”
Billy Knight
Knight received a bachelor's degree in math education from Mars Hill College and Western Carolina University. He has also taught for 29 years.
Following his decision to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, Knight shared that technology has been a big change in education since he began his teaching career.
“When I first started teaching, there was a lot less paperwork involved," Knight recalled. "Books became extinct. The curriculum for the students was a lot more manageable, in my opinion. It became trying to put 10 pounds into a 5-pound sack. Too much, too fast. This has played a huge part in choosing to retire."
Knight also had advice for new teachers.
“Don’t try to be someone you are not. The students will see right through you," said Knight. "Be hard on your students earlier in the year. You can always ease up on them later in the year, but you cannot go the other way. Get to know your students on a level outside of the classroom. Go watch them play sports or perform in the band, or anywhere else you have a chance to interact with them outside of the classroom. Don’t be afraid to occasionally jut take some class time to tell them stories and listen to their stories and what they like to do, hobbies and such.
"The most important thing you can teach a kid is work ethic. If they are willing to work, they will be successful in your subject area. Let them know that if they make a truly great effort, they will be ok. If they don’t, tough."
Knight said he wants to spend his retirement being the best dad to his three daughters, Abigail, Maggie and Haley. He wants to watch them grow and be successful in life and to continue to be a part of their lives.
He plans to spend time with his wife, traveling to visit his girls and enjoying nature across the country. Knight also hopes to continue coaching softball and watching his players get opportunities to play the game at the collegiate level.
He would also like to see the softball program at Robbinsville High to bring home a state championship.
“I want to catch a bigger trout than the one that Coach Nelson caught, so that I can finally shut him up,” Knight added.