Lauren Artis, once an honored teacher assistant, now the new LCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year

Lauren Artis, a first-grade teacher on a mission to help young students built a strong foundation for learning, is the new Beginning Teacher of the Year for Lenoir County Public Schools.

Artis learned of the honor Friday when a delegation led by LCPS Superintendent Brent Williams made a surprise visit to Banks Elementary School, where Artis has worked for six years, first as a teacher assistant and, since January 2025, as a classroom teacher. In both roles she has eight years’ experience as an educator.

“I am deeply honored to be named the LCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year,” Artis said later. “As a first- grade teacher, I believe the foundation of great learning begins with a caring environment where every child feels deeply loved, valued and supported.”

For purposes of mentoring and support – and this annual award – beginning teachers are considered those with three or fewer years as a classroom leader. Candidates for the award are chosen based on classroom observations, mentor log records and participation in professional development geared to beginning teachers. 

As the LCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year, Artis will represent the school district in a regional selection process that leads to a statewide award.

Heers has been an interesting career journey and an example of the success LCPS has had in growing its own teachers. A Kinston native and a graduate of North Lenoir High School, Artis is a former LCPS Teacher Assistant of the Year who took the next step to earn her bachelor’s degree and teaching certification.

Kathryn Griffin, a first-grade teacher at Banks and a former LCPS Teacher of the Year, has had a front-row seat to the development of an award-winning teacher, beginning that day in 2020 when Artis interviewed for the position of teacher assistant in Griffin’s room.

“Even behind a Covid mask, Ms. Artis’s personality shined when she interviewed. As soon as she walked out, I told our principal, ‘That’s the one,’” Griffin remembered.

She watched Artis “excel” as a teacher assistant but knew there was more.  “What many didn’t know at the time was Ms. Artis had a dream to be in her own classroom and was working toward her degree in elementary education.”

After graduating from Grand Canyon University, Artis moved into her own classroom and took her place as a member of the first-grade team at Banks, with Griffin as a mentor – a role that Griffin sees as “an honor.”

“Ms. Artis is the epitome of what it takes to be an amazing teacher. She has a genuine love for children and the desire to make a positive impact on their education,” Griffin said. “She is a true team player, not only in her classroom, but in the school, as well. Ms. Artis takes her role as leader in the classroom seriously as she works hard to adjust and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all her students.” 

Having realized her dream, Artis is intent on building on it.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support of my students, families, and colleagues, and I look forward to continuing to inspire curiosity, build confidence and nurture a lifelong love of learning in the hearts and minds of my students,” she said.

Lauren Artis, second from right, a first-grade teacher at Banks Elementary School, is recognized as the LCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027 by a district-level delegation of, from left, HR Coordinator Jennifer Sutton, Beginning Teacher Coordinator Lynn Morris, Associate Superintendent Frances Herring, Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Harvey II and Superintendent Brent Williams.