News

Claire Hunter Gets National Award For Work in Developmental Education

(Released 2/8/11)

GREENSBORO - Claire Hunter of Guilford Technical Community College has been named the nation's most outstanding teacher in developmental education. The award will be presented by the National Association for Developmental Education in Washington on Feb. 24.

She will receive $500 and a plaque for "for outstanding service to developmental education students" during a luncheon at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Jeffrey Zaslow, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, will be featured speaker for the associations' 35th annual conference. The conference will run Feb. 23-26.

This award comes on the heels of Hunter being named the outstanding developmental educator of the year by the N.C. Association of Developmental Educators. That award was presented Nov. 6 at the organization's state conference. She received $300 and a plaque after being recognized for her contributions in helping students achieve their educational desires.

"Claire Hunter is an exceptional educator as evidenced by her lifelong commitment and dedication to teaching developmental students," said Marie Cook, chair for the student development and learning department.

"She richly deserves this award," said Brenda Kays, vice president of student learning and success.  "Claire is a true asset to this institution," Kays said.

A teacher for 33 years, Hunter started working at GTCC in 1980 as an adjunct instructor. She moved to Greensboro in 1977 from Bergen County, N.J., where she grew up. Hunter is a graduate of Ladycliff College and has a master's degree from New Jersey City University.

Her honors also have included the Laura Thomas Award, which is presented by the N.C. Association on Higher Education and Disability for service to students with disabilities, and the GTCC's President's Award. She received both awards in 2005.

Most semesters, Hunter teaches four classes in reading, helping students who have difficulty reading at college level. The biggest problem with most students in the program is that they are "not adequately prepared," she said.

Hunter is former chair of the developmental education department but gave that position up in 2006 because she preferred being in the classroom, she said. "I love teaching."

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