Summer Espinosa, kindergarten teacher at W.R. Odell Primary School, has been named the 2024-25 Beginning Teacher of the Year for Cabarrus County Schools. Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki made the announcement Thursday night at the district’s “Celebration of Excellence” ceremony at Great Wolf Lodge. 

"Summer’s dedication, creativity, and passion for teaching have not only enriched the lives of her students but have also set a shining example for her colleagues,” Kopicki said. “Ms. Espinosa’s ability to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment has fostered tremendous growth in her young learners, both academically and socially. Her commitment to fostering a love for learning is truly inspiring. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented educator shaping the minds of our youngest students." 

At W.R. Odell Primary, Espinosa is the leader of play-based learning, a member of the reading planning team, and a member of the student wellness committee. 

When asked what advice she would give to other beginning teachers, Espinosa said, “The most important piece of advice I can give you is to build relationships with every single student, it will make a huge difference.  

“When your students feel safe and loved they will perform to their best ability. When you establish mutual trust and respect, the students want to do their best for you. There will be no better feeling than when a student who struggled with school at the beginning of the year, comes up to you and tells you that they love school because of you. Take the first few weeks of school getting to know your kids and where they come from. I suggest reaching out to their families and the people who care for them at home. Establishing a relationship early on with their families will give you valuable insight into your students and will allow you to create a team with them to best serve the child throughout the year.”

Espinosa earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee. 

Congratulations, CCS Beginning Teacher of the Year Summer Espinosa!