Graduate Student Named Halifax County Schools’ Teacher of the Year

Shane Dongilli, a graduate student in the NC State College of Education, has won the 2017-18 Halifax County Schools’ Teacher of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding teacher each year who is highly skilled and dedicated to inspiring students of all backgrounds.

“Even though the award goes to me, this is a whole school award. I have had a great principal who pushes me out of my comfort zone with new instructional ways,” said Dongilli, a student part of the science cohort in the master’s in elementary education program. “I also have a great team that makes teaching exciting.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dongilli began his teaching career in Halifax County in 2012. He teaches 4th and 5th grade science at Scotland Neck Elementary Leadership Academy.

Dongilli first became interested in pursuing a teaching career when he was a football coach for 7- to 9- year olds after graduating high school.

“I really liked working with the kids to develop new skills, so I decided to go into elementary education,” Dongilli said. “I want to inspire the next generation to become something great.”

Dongilli, who is in his sixth year of teaching, decided to return to school in order to learn new methods of engaging his students in a science setting.