LCPS’s EC Program honors Northeast, Southwood educators with top awards

Cassandra Williams of Northeast Elementary School and Stephanie Jones of Southwood Elementary School, two educators praised for their love of children and their patience in working with them, are recipients of the top awards presented annually by LCPS’s Exceptional Children’s Program.

Williams, a 20-year veteran of the classroom who mentors beginning teachers, is the 2026-2027 Exceptional Children’s Teacher of the Year. Jones, a former substitute teacher who joined LCPS full time in 2021, is the 2026-2027 Exceptional Children’s Teacher Assistant of the Year.

The awards were presented Wednesday at Kinston Community Center during EC Opening Day, when the program’s entire staff gathers in preparation for the new school year. In opening remarks, LCPS Superintendent Brent Williams called the group “superstars.”

“Thank you for being willing to choose today and every day to pour into these children all that you have. You give so much,” the superintendent said.

Cassandra Williams has taught her entire career with LCPS, staring at Teachers Memorial and later Bynum before those elementary schools closed in the consolidation that created Northeast 16 years ago. She is known for her “fierce advocacy, steady leadership and deep commitment to student success,” EC Director Georgia Maready said. “She is a tireless advocate who knows every student deeply, understands what makes them tick and partners constantly with parents to ensure student success.”

The EC Teacher of the Year award represents a high point in her decades-long career, according to Williams. “I’m excited about it,” she said. “This award took me 20 years to achieve and I’m excited about it. I really and truly enjoy working with children.”

At Southwood, where Jones is beginning her sixth year, she does double duty as a bus driver and teacher assistant. “Her unwavering commitment shows before the sun even rises, driving a school bus to ensure our children arrive safely, before seamlessly transitioning into the classroom ready to inspire, lead and serve,” EC Instructional Coordinator Stephanie Radford said in announcing the award.

“I’m so excited,” Jones said. “When they called my name, I couldn’t believe it. I’m still in shock.”

Exceptional Children’s Teacher of the Year Cassandra Williams, second from right, and Exceptional Children’s Teacher Assistant of the Year Stephanie Jones with their principals, at right, Nichole Hathaway of Northeast Elementary and Wendy Piro of Southwood Elementary.