CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS

West Charlotte High School U.S. history teacher Danny Jarrett is the Charlote Post Foundation’s teacher of the year.

West Charlotte High School teacher Danny Jarrett had dreams of being a millionaire by age 35.  He came close to reaching his goal by climbing the corporate ladder at IBM and owning a national fast-food franchise. 

Even with those successes, he was unfulfilled.  Nearly 13 years ago, he returned to school and decided to become a teacher.  He has not looked back.

Jarrett has been named the Charlotte Post Best 2010 educator of the year for his commitment to improving student achievement.
“Teaching is not a job or a career to me, it’s my purpose,” Jarrett said.  “I get to make a difference in my students’ lives and they can make a difference in mine.”

Jarrett, a native of Chicago, has been working in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools since 2004 and is a candidate for National Board certification. Jarrett was also one of seven 2010 CMS Teacher of the Year finalist.

At West Charlotte, Jarrett is the U.S. history team leader and developed a turnaround plan to improve the school’s U.S. history end-of-course test scores.  After implementing the plan, the scores increased from 48 percent in 2006-2007 to 81 percent in 2008-09.
“Mr. Jarrett’s ability to inspire and connect with our students is remarkable,” West Charlotte Principal Shelton Jefferies said.  “He sets the bar high for our students and they live up to his expectations.”

Since becoming a teacher, Jarrett has transformed his thinking about measuring success.  He uses his skills to not only help students pass end-of-course tests, but to change the way they think in school and in their communities.

“I no longer measure my success in terms of dollars, but rather in student achievement,” he said.

In addition to teaching, Jarrett addressed discipline concerns at West Charlotte by implementing a school-wide monitoring initiative to keep students safe.  He also leads the school’s award-winning academic quiz bowl team.

Jarrett will be formally recognized Sept. 18 at The Post Best Awards program.

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