KANNAPOLIS — Teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics is challenging at any level, but the most recent teacher of the month in Kannapolis is transforming student trajectories by hooking them early.

North Kannapolis Elementary School STEM teacher Jennifer Brazee was named the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for February at the March Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education meeting.

“I love watching kids create,” Brazee said in an email. “In the STEM room, we focus on there is no wrong answer. I try to remind students that there is an efficient way and maybe a more effective way, but there is no wrong way. I love watching my students try something that I never considered and it works.”

For Brazee, her teaching journey began when she was in fact just a student herself.

“I have always enjoyed children,” she said. “I started working at a daycare at 16 and continued throughout college. My freshman year at Belmont Abbey, I had an exceptional teacher. She is the reason I went into education.”

Having seen the fruits of her labor play out over time is one of the greatest rewards to her career.

“I have run into several students as adults and it always brings me joy to see them working, living and enjoying life as adults,” Brazee said. “The greatest thing I can accomplish as a teacher is to encourage students to be good citizens that I want to live and work beside. One such student, Levi, thanked me for believing in him. He graduated from A.L. Brown crediting the welding program for his success as a student and aiding him in finding a career.”

Reflecting on her reception of the award, Brazee said that a letter summed it up well.

“The letter I received stated that I find a way to make difficult concepts easy,” she said. “I truly believe students learn best when learning is hands-on with a teacher guiding students thinking with deep thinking questions.”