Frankie Lancaster at the fall concert on October 12, 2023. Photo credits: Charlie Stumb
Recently Watauga County nominated Frankie Lancaster, our new choir teacher at Watauga High School,"Rookie Teacher of the Year"
“I was absolutely not expecting any recognition much less an award of this kind," said Lancaster. "I also didn't even know that it was something to be won."
Lancaster has made many changes to the program at Watauga to strengthen and improve his classes and their performances.
“One of the big changes has been implementing a culture of excellence in the program that does not involve being stressed and having an extreme amount of fun," said Lancaster. "Fun is really easy to be had when the thing that you are doing is great in your own heart and mind.”
Lancaster is a dedicated teacher and strives to have a positive working environment.
“I think what’s really awesome about Mr. Lancaster's teaching style is he brings lots of confidence and encourages us to ‘at least try,” said Sydney Marsh, a member of the Treble and Chamber Choirs.
Positive outlooks and goals are important to Lancaster. His goal is to better his students in every way he can. Building relationships with his students is a big part of his teaching style.
“My favorite thing about teaching and directing is hands down the students," said Lancaster. "To see a student see the end result of their hard work whether in a single moment of practice or at a competition, is absolutely worth every bit of energy and time we invest together."
Lancaster came into the program following Mr. Brandon Winbush, who had been a previous Teacher of the Year for the high school.
“ I know that there were years of relationships that were developed and for me to come in and be someone new, it has taken a lot of time to earn trust, build relationships, and be able to encourage the students,” said Lancaster.
Even though Mr.Lancaster is new to teaching, he is familiar with the music and choir industry, and he has been working with groups and directing for over 20 years. Mr.Lancaster has already dedicated so much time and effort to his work, and being awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year is a great start to his teaching career.
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