Early Childhood Instructor Receives Prestigious Teaching Award

Jennifer Derby, instructor of Early Childhood Education at Edgecombe Community College, is this year’s recipient of the Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair. As part of her award, she received a chair with an engraved brass nameplate. Shown at the podium is Bernice Pitt, vice president of the ECC Foundation Board of Directors.

Jennifer Derby, instructor of Early Childhood Education at Edgecombe Community College, has been awarded the 2016-2017 Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair.

The chair was endowed by Keihin Carolina System Technology (KCST) through a $100,000 gift in 2007, and it rewards excellence in teaching.

“Thank you so much for this wonderful gift,” Derby said in accepting the award during an August 15 ceremony. “To be among those who have won before me and were nominated this year is truly an honor. I will continue to work hard to be worthy of this distinction.”

Derby joined the Early Childhood Education department at ECC in 2004 and served as an adjunct instructor for two years prior to her full-time appointment. She played a pivotal role in the program’s 2015 accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation is not required for early childhood teacher education programs, but it is a recognized standard of excellence for programs that prepare teachers at the associate degree level.

She worked tirelessly with students, staff, and community members this year to construct a Natural Playscape playground on the Tarboro campus made possible through funding by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust’s Healthy Places NC initiative.

In addition, she has developed partnerships with area preschools in an effort to find quality placements for student interns.

Derby holds a B.S. degree in early childhood education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and an M.Ed. in early childhood education from the University of Houston at Victoria.

The Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair is the highest distinction the college can bestow on a member of its faculty. As the Keihin chair holder, Derby receives $2,500 and a chair with an engraved brass nameplate.

In announcing the selection during the ceremony, Karen Andrus, executive director of the ECC Foundation, said, “Her peers say she is innovative and enthusiastic, and her classes are never boring. She is considered a demanding instructor, but also very compassionate and concerned for her students.”

Derby was selected by a committee of ECC personnel and KCST officials from a pool of six nominees who submitted a performance portfolio, a philosophy of teaching, and an essay.

Other nominees were Rick Basile, Criminal Justice program chair; Teresa Howell, English instructor, Transitional Studies; Francine Long, Mathematics instructor; Andrew Woherem, Business Administration instructor; and Sheryll Wood, English/Humanities department chair.

Derby is the tenth Keihin Chair holder at the college. Previous recipients are instructors Dr. Johnica Ellis-Kiser, 2015; Rebecca Stamilio-Ehret, 2014; Ann Kent, 2013; Tim King, 2012; Pam Morgan, 2011; Ralph Webb, 2010; Bruce Panneton, 2009; J.H. Koonce, 2008; and Monika Fleming, 2007.