This distinguished recognition honors their passion for teaching, dedication to students, and commitment to continuous professional growth.
The district congratulates its newly certified teachers, Juan Diaz, Catherine Dollyhite, Rochelle Fordyce, Cindy Gil, Michael Reeves, and Hayley Zurita, and recognizes Courtney Howlett for successfully completing her first National Board renewal cycle.
Cindy Gil, a kindergarten dual language immersion (DLI) teacher, started her teaching career in Colombia in 2014 and has been serving as an immersion teacher for nearly a decade. In 2021, she completed her Master of Arts in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Continuing to learn, she attributes the National Board certification process to having given her more confidence in her teaching and developing a stronger sense of leadership. In her advice to colleagues, she shared, “The path might seem tough, but there’s nothing you’re required to do that you’re not already doing in your classroom.” Mrs. Gil is married to her husband, Diego, and they are raising two daughters, Sara and Olivia.
Rochelle Fordyce, an Exceptional Children’s teacher, has served BHT for eight years. Before joining the district, she worked in multiple education roles since graduating with an elementary education degree in 2004. She considers earning her National Board certification a personal and professional milestone, and the district’s guidance, resources, and encouragement made the process feel more manageable. Outside the school environment, Fordyce, a wife and mother of four, noted that her family was her biggest support throughout this process. She shared how their patience “made it possible for me to dedicate the time, energy, and focus needed to complete this certification process. They were my biggest cheerleaders, even when I doubted myself.”
Juan Diaz, a second-grade DLI teacher, has held many teaching roles throughout his long career in education. Mr. Diaz shared his best advice for others pursuing this certification: “Stay organized, embrace reflection, and trust your practice. Seek support from colleagues, manage your time intentionally, and remember that the process is about growth and impact on student learning, not perfection.” Like many of his peers, he has earned multiple degrees, with a focus on education, Biology, and language development. However, he describes this particular certification as especially significant, calling it “a meaningful milestone in my professional growth and a validation of my commitment to reflective practice and high-quality instruction.”
Catherine Dollyhite, a MACS alumna, graduated from Appalachian State University and Gardner-Webb University and has served the district since 2019. She currently serves as the Interventionist for BHT while also serving in an advanced teaching role. Dollyhite’s advice to other educators pursuing certification is, “Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.” Noting the district’s cohort support, she also highlights her ability to set a goal and accomplish it, which made her children, Reilly and Carson proud. “I showed my kids that perseverance pays off. They saw the long nights, the stress, the time I spent writing and rewriting. The one thing they didn’t see was me quitting. That was the most important thing to me.”
Approaching her ten-year milestone as a school counselor, Haley Zurita is the district’s second National Board-certified school counselor. Having graduated from Surry Community College, UNC Charlotte, and Western Carolina University, Zurita understands a variety of postsecondary pathways firsthand, an experience she now uses to help Mount Airy High School (MAHS) students confidently navigate their own college and career journeys. Haley Zurita shared, “I enjoyed participating in the MACS cohort and truly felt supported throughout the journey. This special group of educators gave me a strong sense of belonging. I was especially nervous about jumping in during my first year with MACS, but it ultimately became one of the best decisions I’ve made in my educational career.” Mrs. Zurita is married to Jacob, and they enjoy traveling together.
Michael Reeves, MAHS English teacher, has earned his certification after 17 years as an educator in multiple capacities, including TA, coach, tutor, teacher, and administrator. A former North Carolina Principal Fellow, Mr. Reeves shared that his “passion for education and learning is best realized in the classroom.” He added that earning his National Board certification solidified his commitment to continuing and concluding his career in the classroom setting. A two-time graduate of Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Mr. Reeves has been married to Emily, an educator, for 18 years and says she was instrumental in his journey to becoming certified. Together, they have raised three children, Sophia, Penelope, and Mick.
Courtney Howlett has successfully renewed her certification while completing her School Leadership add-on licensure through Appalachian State University. Mrs. Howlett shared, “The renewal process pushed me to reflect deeply on my teaching and reaffirmed the importance of growth, adaptability, and purposeful decision-making in the classroom. As a coach, this work also matters to me because I want colleagues to know I am willing to walk beside them, not ahead of them. By engaging in the same reflective work I encourage in others, I hope to model continuous learning and show my commitment to supporting teachers through the challenges and rewards of professional growth.” Since 2013, she has served MACS as a math teacher, instructional coach, and currently serves as the Coordinator of Accountability, Testing, and Academic Support. She has been married to her husband, Garrett, a fellow MACS educator, for 15 years. Together, they have two daughters, Carlee (9) and Caelynn (3), and are expecting another girl in June 2026.
Since the launch of the MACS National Board cohort model in 2022, 18 teachers have earned their certification, bringing the district's total to 25 NB-certified teachers. MACS established the cohort model to increase the individual support provided to teachers who choose to engage in the rigorous professional development journey.
The fourth cohort of MACS NB teacher candidates has already been established, comprising eight educators, with some pursuing certification over two years and others completing the requirements in one year. Dr. Penny Ballin, Director of Federal Programs and Innovation, shared, “Our district believes that teachers who feel encouraged and supported to continue their professional learning are more likely to continue choosing MACS as their employer. In a time when fewer individuals are choosing to become educators, we must seek ways to support and retain the educators who want to be a part of our district. It is an honor to be by their side as they endure this professional journey and achieve a milestone accomplishment.”