Congratulations to Stephanie Rhodes for being named Wake County's 2011 Teacher of the Year this evening.

Rhodes has been a social studies teacher for 10 years, all at Sanderson High School in Raleigh. She teaches Civics and Economics and Honors Sociology. She is also the student council advisor, varsity volleyball coach, a member of the Student Support Team and Coalition for the Homeless club sponsor.

“The longer I teach, the more I realize that students do not buy into the academic curriculum; they buy into the relationship with the teacher and how she teaches the curriculum,” said Rhodes in a press release. “I believe small things outside the classroom - such as taking the time to listen, recognizing student success, or talking about a student’s interests - helps build a rapport so I can address academic needs in the classroom."