Sarah Muzzillo
Layout Editor
Dawn Harrison, CTE teacher, was recently chosen as State Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, a title she feels “honored and happy to have received.”
Harrison teaches Apparel I and II, Teen Living, Clothing Construction and Design, and Family Consumer Sciences Advanced Studies. Although she recalls wanting to pursue teaching while in elementary school, her goals changed when she was a teenager. “I became more interested in textiles and fashion,” Harrison says.
Harrison majored in textiles and fashion while attending Central Michigan University. Twelve years ago, she moved to North Carolina, where she began teaching at Apex.
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| Harrison was recognized by the N.C. Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as Teacher of the Year. |
Harrison has previously been recognized with two teaching awards. She received the Master Adviser Award in 2000, followed by the national Leavy Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education in 2006. Both recognize teachers who promote education through innovative and effective ways.
Harrison attributes her success to her passion for teaching and the field. “I give a lot to the Association of Family and Consumer Sciences,” she says. Harrison and other association members have created a think tank where they work to change the perception of home-economics.
“There’s currently a shortage of teachers and students signing up for the classes,” she explains, “and there’s a critical need for the field. With high childhood obesity and America’s economy, these courses promote health and financial literacy.”
Harrison is an adviser for Apex’s FCCLA (Family Career & Community Leaders of America), a club where students participate in various competitions ranging from culinary arts to interior design. “It’s a good opportunity to build relationships with students and see them develop leadership skills,” she says.
