Pryor Place Event Center was the site last Thursday as Newcastle Public Schools held its Celebration of Excellence and announced this year’s Teacher of the Year, Jordan Heatly.
The Newcastle High School Aviation Program instructor was representing as the high school site Teacher of the Year. He received the top honors from a field of the NPS Site Teachers of the Year. They included: Makensey Saldana, Early Childhood Center; Tonya Walker, Newcastle Elementary School; Glen Stallings, Newcastle Middle School; and Krista Cochran, Thrive Learning Collaborative.
Also recognized during the celebration were the Rookie Teachers of the Year and the school district’s retirees.
Newcastle High School Principal Adam Hull said it was an honor to introduce Heatly.
Hull said, “Some teachers make an impact in the classroom. Oth- HEATLY on page 2 ers leave a mark on the culture of a school. And then there are those rare few — like Jordan — who do both, and do it exceptionally well. Jordan is a trailblazer. When he launched our aviation program, he wasn’t just starting a new class — he was building a future. And in just one year, that future took flight, growing to more than 100 students.
HEATLY: Aviation program grows to 100 students in only 1 year
“That kind of growth doesn’t happen without something special. It takes vision, dedication, and a genuine connection with students. Jordan has all three in (abundance). His students don’t just enroll in his classes — they want to be around him. And nothing proves that more than this: his latest tattoo was designed by one of his students. That’s not just a cool story — that’s the kind of relationship Jordan builds. He invests in his students in a way that makes them want to give back. That makes them feel seen, heard, and inspired.
“He is a builder, a leader, a mentor, and a role model. But above all, Jordan Heatly is a teacher in the truest, most meaningful sense of the word.”
In making the big announcement of the evening, Hull said, “Please join me in celebrating a remarkable educator and an even more remarkable human — our Teacher of the Year, Mr. Jordan Heatly.”
Heatly will compete against teachers from throughout the state for State Teacher of the Year.
Shelly Calvert and Vickie Canary were retirees, who were in attendance and honored at the celebration. They received appreciation plaques from NPS which said, “Because of you, lives have been changed, minds shine brighter, and the world is a brighter place. Thank you for your commitment to the education of our young people. Best wishes on your retirement.”
Another honoree at the celebration was Tanner Wallace. He was named Newcastle Middle School Rookie of the Year.
