WCCB and Charlotte Post Foundation honor the ‘Teacher of the Year’

CHARLOTTE, NC —  For Elijah Watson teaching is more than just a profession, it’s a passion. 

He says it all started with his fifth grade teacher. 

“She saw a young man who needed confidence and by me receiving confidence and also being able to go to programs like STARS it made a big change in my life and I just want to give that to other students,” Watson said. 

Now its come full circle — he’s a teacher at Ranson Middle School and the founder of the S.T.A.R.S Math & English Academy  which provides academic enrichment, life skills training, and mentorship to over three thousand students. 

“I feel my true strength is giving a child hope and also seeing the greatness in every child,” Watson said. 

He now has another title – educator of the year. 

“I was really, really surprised, honored and humbled.” 

Watson says being selected as educator of the year is an honor and he  takes his students’ success personally. 

“I want my students to see a person who believes in them and a person who will always be there for them, and also somebody who gives them unconditional love.” 

 It’s what motivates him to continue to reach students and make a  positive impact in their lives. `

“Greatness means being a great person in your community. We want our students to see us doing what we want them to do in the future.”