Dayna Bryan Named the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Teacher of the Year

A track record of dedication and hard work was honored today as Dayna Bryan was named the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s teacher of the year. Bryan is a teacher at Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center in Concord, N.C., where she teaches language arts for middle and high school students.  Bryan’s impression on her students and colleagues was apparent to the selection committee who received written testimonials from her students which stated, “She respects her students and is always willing to lend a listening ear.” One of Bryan’s colleagues added, “It is an honor to work with someone who encourages us to strive for our personal best.”

Some of Bryan’s notable accomplishments include: creating innovative lesson plans; working with PLATO, the web-based credit recovery and curriculum software; serving as Positive Behavior Support chairperson; working with Positive Peers program on campus; serving as a Member of School Assistance Team, which helps students qualify for EC services; serving as a mentor for new teachers; and organizing data for Service Planning Team Meetings.  However, Bryan stated, “My greatest accomplishments are seeing my students pass their end of grade and end of course exams, or graduating from the GED program and becoming successful citizens in their communities.”

A graduate of East Carolina University, Bryan has been an educator for eleven years and is certified in elementary education and language arts. Her mother and aunt, who both served as teachers, influenced Bryan to become an educator.  Bryan has been married for twelve years and has a five year old daughter who she says takes up most of her time when she is not working at Stonewall Jackson.  

Secretary George L. Sweat and Superintendent Dr. Jane D Young were joined by members of the Department’s executive management team in presenting Bryan with the honor during  a recent education leadership meeting in Raleigh.  Bryan stated, “I believe a truly outstanding teacher is one that makes oneself involved in every aspect of the students’ rehabilitation. When working with our population, a teacher has to be excellent in the classroom and in the community of the youth development center. This year has been challenging, but seeing the gains made by students through PLATO, a web-based credit recovery program, has made all the hard work worthwhile.”