Experience
I have had the honor of being an educator for 25 years. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in School Leadership. I received my Doctoral Degree in 2018 from Gardner-Webb University. I spent the first 10 years of my career teaching in Burke County. I was blessed to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades, where I was honored to receive the 2006 Burke County Teacher of the Year. I became an Assistant Principal in Catawba County in 2007 and served at Maiden Middle School, Catawba Elementary, and Banoak Elementary. In 2012, I began my first principalship in Alexander County Schools at Hiddenite Elementary, where I was honored as Principal of the Year in 2018. After 6 years at Hiddenite, I came back home to Catawba County and began my tenure at Oxford Elementary. I am excited to begin a new chapter now in 2023 as I take the helm at Challenger Early College High School.
My educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. My educational philosophy is based on my belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. I believe that as educators, we have a responsibility to educate the whole child, socially, emotional, and academically. I believe that students are capable of achieving any goal they set their mind to, and by giving them the skills that they need to be good citizens in our community, we are creating a bright future for our world.
Education
B.S. Elementary Education, West Virginia University
M.A. Elementary Education, Gardner-Webb University
Masters of School Administration, Appalachian State University
Doctor of Education, Gardner-Webb University
Why I Became an Educator
As the oldest of 8 grandchildren, I have always had a love for children as I "mothered" my siblings and cousins. As I grew, I knew that I wanted to spend my life working with children. Becoming a teacher was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is a calling, a passion, and one of my greatest accomplishments.
Favorite Activities
My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.I have two children, Kennedy, who is 19 and a sophomore at Western Carolina University, and Payne, who is a senior at East Burke High School. Family time and loving on my 4 legged pals, Rilee, Minnie, Pumpkin, and Simba is by far my greatest joy.
Something Unique About Me
I am originally from West Virginia and a proud alumni of West Virginia University. I bleed Blue and Gold. Go MOUNTAINEERS!
I joined Catawba County Schools to be a part of a community of leaders and learners dedicated to improving the lives of students through educating the whole child.
Meet Grace Ann Sevier, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director
Joined Team CCS - July 2008 Experience
I have worked in public education for 22 years in the Catawba County and Iredell/Statesville School Systems. I have spent two years as an elementary school counselor, ten years as a middle school counselor, and ten years as an elementary assistant principal. In 2010, I earned my National Board Certification in School Counseling and and renewed this certification through NBPTS in 2019. I was named as Catawba County School's Secondary Counselor of the Year in 2012/2013, North Carolina Middle School Counselor in 2012/2013, and Catawba County School's Assistant Principal of the Year in 2023. Education
B.A. Psychology & Human/Community Services - Lenoir-Rhyne College
M.A. Community/Agency Counseling (w/School Counseling Licensure) - Lenoir-Rhyne College
Post Master's Certificate in Advanced School Counseling - University of North Carolina at Greensboro
School Administration Add-on Licensure - Appalachian State University Why I Became an Educator
My family influenced me to give back to my community by joining a helping profession, and my high school counselor was a major influence in helping me sort out options in the field of education. While I was in graduate school, my advisor and professor geared me toward school counseling. Favorite Place in Catawba County
As a young child and into adulthood, I have loved enjoying time on Lookout Shoals Lake or, as everyone in Catawba County knows it by, Lake Lookout. From lazy days on a boat, to fishing or kayaking, Lake Lookout is a hidden gem in Catawba County.
I joined CCS because of the commitment to students and employees. There is a true sense of family within the school system that makes people feel welcomed and valued.