Jennifer Schweitzer didn’t just choose teaching as a career. She chose it as a calling – a way to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, inspired by the dedicated teachers who helped her overcome reading struggles and her mother who poured her heart into 30 years of teaching.
Now, as Polk County Schools’ District Teacher of the Year, she continues that legacy at Tryon Elementary School. But it was those early challenges, and the teachers who helped her overcome them, that set her on a path to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
“I know that without the dedication of those special teachers, I would not be where I am today,” said Schweitzer, who serves as Title I teacher at Tryon Elementary School. “I chose to become a teacher because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.”
Schweitzer will represent Polk County Schools in the regional Teacher of the Year competition. North Carolina is divided into eight geographical regions, with regional winners advancing as finalists for the state award. The state has recognized Teachers of the Year since 1970 and, since 2013, has partnered with the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to honor North Carolina educators.
Teaching runs in Schweitzer’s family. Her mother taught for 30 years, providing a model of dedication and heart that inspired her career choice.
“I watched her pour her heart into her students,” Schweitzer said. “Seeing the impact she made inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to be part of something bigger than myself.”
That inspiration comes full circle in her daily work with students from kindergarten through fifth grade. As a Title I teacher, Schweitzer works with small groups of students, helping them build foundational skills in reading and mathematics.
She describes a recent moment that captures why she loves teaching: watching a student’s understanding suddenly click while learning multisyllabic words.
“I watched a student’s ‘light bulb’ go off as they made connections with vowels and syllables,” Schweitzer said. “Suddenly, they began reading longer words fluently and with ease. The excitement on this student’s face was unforgettable. It was incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey in learning to read.”
Beyond academic skills, Schweitzer emphasizes character development with her students. She creates an environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning and teaches them about perseverance.
“I talk with my students about the importance of grit and determination in everything they pursue,” she said.
Her investment in students extends beyond their elementary years. One of her favorite days each school year is the Senior Walk, when Tryon Elementary students line the halls to cheer graduating seniors.
“I love seeing our seniors and hearing about their exciting plans beyond Polk County Schools,” Schweitzer said.
Schweitzer expressed deep gratitude for being named District Teacher of the Year, emphasizing the strength of her colleagues throughout the district.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be named Teacher of the Year for Polk County,” she said. “I have the privilege of working alongside incredibly dedicated and talented educators. I witness firsthand the time, energy and resources they invest in their students, and I have the utmost respect for my colleagues and my own children’s teachers.”
Her colleagues at Tryon Elementary and across the district have supported her growth as an educator through their example and collaboration.
“My colleagues inspire me every day to be a better teacher,” Schweitzer said. “What touches me most is their empathy and the genuine care they show for every student. I see God’s love reflected in their hearts as they serve, encourage and support not only their students but each other.”
Twenty years ago, Schweitzer and her husband, Dr. Brandon Schweitzer, chose Polk County Schools for their family. Their daughters attend schools in the district, giving Schweitzer both professional and personal perspectives on what makes the district special.
“Polk County Schools is home to some of the most dedicated and hardworking teachers and staff, they truly are second to none,” she said. “I have personally witnessed members of our school system drive through hurricanes to open shelters, drop everything to provide food and water to our community and go far beyond what is required to ensure a high quality education for our students.”
The combination of dedicated staff and strong community support creates an environment where both educators and students can thrive.
“I feel truly blessed to be a part of this remarkable school system, and grateful that our daughters have the privilege of attending Polk County Schools,” Schweitzer said. “I honestly can’t imagine working, living, or sending my children anywhere else.”
