GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – WITN’s Teacher of the Week is Kristen Penny, a kindergarten teacher at Eastern Elementary School in Pitt County.

Penny, of Williamston, says she has always known she wanted to be a teacher. She says comes from a family of nurses, a family dedicated to caring for others.

Penny has been teaching for 19 years — the last nine years at Eastern Elementary and the other 10 years in Martin County.

“The past few years in teaching have not been easy on any school staff. I have pushed myself through some tough situations, and also challenged myself to teach virtually during covid,” says Penny. “I enjoy the challenge of engaging students, and look forward to continuing to engage my students in learning every day.”

Penny says she believes education and parental support are important to make sure students are successful.

“My goal is that my students remember me as someone who loved them and wanted the best for them, just like I do for my own daughter,” says Penny.