Stephanie Croker

There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing kids learn and grow. I believe that creating a warm classroom climate that encourages taking chances, being kind to others, and tapping into creativity leads to more confident and willing learners. The child in me really comes out when I am with the students, as I enjoy using stuffed animals to create skits to teach concepts and skills. I believe in having a very structured classroom with high expectations. But even more importantly, I believe kids can only reach their full potential by being part of a positive and fun environment where they feel valued for who they are, no matter their ability or background, and gain confidence in themselves. There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing a struggling student get that spark to learn and stretch beyond old expectations. It’s all good and well to focus on data to look at progress, but all of the talk in the world will not make children learn. The real magic happens in the classroom, where kids know the teacher cares, they can take chances without judgment, and be part of something bigger than themselves. My heart glows when, in the middle of a lesson, a student randomly says, “Je t’aime Mme Croker,” and I know the love and the care I give my students spreads to their own heart. This love ignites the love for learning. I believe that I represent the original mission of North Academy of World Languages, to passionately open new opportunities for kids to learn a new language, appreciate diverse cultures, to work cooperatively with others, and think creatively to come up with solutions. I love what I do, seeing kids come alive in learning, and sharing my ideas with colleagues to make our school the best it can be.

• National Board Certified Teacher in World Languages (French)/Early-Middle Childhood, 2002-current
• North Learning Community Teacher of the Year, 2023-2024
• North Academy of World Languages Teacher of the Year, 2023-2024
• Northwest Learning Community Second Grade Math Cadre Think Tank Leader, 2020-2021
• Teacher of the Year, River Oaks Academy, 2019-2020
• Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher of the Year, 2018-2019
• Personalized Learning Coach, 2018-2019
• Recognized as teacher of the month, January-February 2014

• Clinical Educator for CMS Teaching Residency Residents, 2023-2024
• Grade Level Chair, 2002-2003, 2013-current
• Mentor for new teachers, 1998-2003, 2014-current
• Hosted student teachers, 2017-2020
• Co-chair of Faculty Advisory Committee, 2019-2020
• Led Pennies for Patients fundraiser with Student Council, Spring 2020
• Co-led professional developments on Personalized Learning and Engage NY Math Curriculum, 2017-2019
• Co-led Student Council, 2014-2020
• Wrote grants that were successfully funded for classroom materials and field trips, 2012-2021
• Co-led a Community Service Project for Humane Society of Charlotte, November-December 2017
• Member of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District Math Curriculum Leadership Team, 2016-2017
• Chair of Curriculum Committee 2014-15
• Member of Staff Leadership Team, 2013-2016; 2018-2019
• Co-chair of Parent Outreach Events, 2013-2014
• Led a world geography project and pen pal exchange with a student in Japan, 2012-2013
• Member of Faculty Advisory Council, 2012-2013; 2015-2016
• Created and led a French Club for K-2, 2011-2012
• Created and led a French Club for second graders, 2004-2006
• Led a world geography project 2004-2006
• Represented French Immersion teachers on the Intervention Team, 2003-2004

 I am a native of Belgium and enjoy traveling with my family.