History teacher named Durham Teacher of the Year

Jason Jowers received the honor on Tuesday at a banquet recognizing Teachers of the Year from the district's 54 schools. He was selected by a committee consisting of former Teachers of the Year. 

"My greatest accomplishment is not helping students pass a test. It has been my ability to help them realize that success can be an option," Jowers said in his application portfolio. "I wanted to encourage young people to make the right decisions instead of falling prey to those they would regret later in life."

Jowers has taught for four years and received a bachelor of arts degree from North Carolina Central University.

"Jason Jowers represents all that is right about public schools," Superintendent Eric J. Becoats said in a press release. "He convinces his students that life has no limits. They can accomplish anything."

As Teacher of the Year, Jowers will receive $1,000. Each of the other four finalists receive $500. 

The other finalists were Rose Clark of Eno Valley Elementary, Anne Beatty of Northern High and Raychelle Baptist of Shepard Magnet Middle. 

Jowers will now compete for the Central Region Teacher of the Year.