Jerry Clyde
Position: Math & Science Teacher
School: Northeast Elementary School
School District: Lenoir County Public Schools
City, State: Kinston , NC
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Jerry Clyde was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.
Until the nominator's son reached Mr. Clyde ’s fifth-grade class, he had never had a truly outstanding school experience. Their son was diagnosed with ADD in first grade, and his teachers always said that he has so much potential, but he doesn’t use his time well. Every conference began with a compliment about his demeanor, and ended with negativity and frustration on both ends.
"I walked into Mr. Clyde’s room for our first conference in November, prepared for the worst" the nominator said. "He spent 10 minutes telling me about the successes my son had in his class and went on and on about how much progress he’d made since the first weeks of school. He made me smile with anecdotes of his precocious behavior, which he thought of as amusing, while he tried his darnedest to get out of one assignment or another before finally giving in. It has always seemed disheartening to send my son off to spend his whole day with teachers who didn’t necessarily understand what made him tick."
Mr. Clyde complimented her son, saying that he was creative and funny. He described his strengths and didn’t worry about where he was lacking. He took the time to listen to her suggestions about what would work and what wouldn’t. He tries to understand his students, instead of lumping them into one category. Mr. Clyde understood what his strengths were and built on them. He made him feel like if he tried his best, than that was good enough. The nominator's son started to become more confident in his abilities, and began to thrive.
"Mr. Clyde looked beyond the bottom line number and found a wonderful boy who would have tried anything with the encouragement of one outstanding teacher," the nominator said. "His learning environment was a community with a village of learners. Students leaned in and used their strengths to help out their neighbor. They did it through genuine love and care. It reminds me of the African proverb, 'Am I my brother’s keeper.' The connectedness and genuine empathy for the other person was beautiful to witness! Bravo to the best teacher that this mom has ever met!”
I have known Mr. Clyde since childhood. He was always determined to learning and doing the very best possible. A pleasant personality was always present. I am very happy and proud of his success in life. I wish him the best in the future.
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Mr. Clyde is definitely a life changer. He demonstrates his passion and love for his students in the classroom and outside the classroom. He tries to attend every extra curricular activity that involves his students. He feels obiligated to show them that support beyond the classroom. Having been reared by both parents, I believe he understands the concept that some of the children just need that male role model to promote excellence in their lives.
I have witnessed his love for his students not just the ones in his class but in other grade levels. He constantly reach out to them encouraging them, speaking positive things to them,but most of all he shows them through a life style how to become all that they
can.
I honor Mr. Clyde and he certainly deserves this distinguished recognition. He has proven himself to be one of a kind in the educational arena. He focuses on the well-being of the whole child not just his/her academics.
Jerry Clyde is a person like no other. He is a wonderful math teacher; moreover, a positive spiritual role model for the students and the staff around him. He has this infectious laugh that lights up a building, far beyond a room. We all know when Jerry is on the hall! He is always willing to sacrifice his time and energy for others especially the students. He serves just because, without expecting accolades.
His trustworthiness and unyielding character is one of his qualities that has made him such an encouraging role model for many students at Northeast Elementary. He has a rapport with students that is truly inspirational. Each morning, he greets students at the classroom door with eye contact and a firm handshake, followed by “Good morning, Sir” or “Good morning, Ma’am”. Students automatically return the greeting with eye contact and a smile. Students from different grade levels, on the hall will make their way just to get that morning greeting from Mr. Clyde.
I have learned so much from this young man. I am Jerry Clyde’s beginning teacher mentor. I have the honor of calling this LifeChanger my friend.
I applaud Mr.Clyde's dedication and professionalism. Knowing his love of mathematics, I once suggested that he pursue a path towards Actuarial Science, analyzing probability and risk for insurance companies and certainly a more lucrative profession. His response was "I want to teach, I like it and I'm good with the students." So he carries on the torch that brightens minds. Let's be grateful for him and those like him.
Ruth Jackson, CPCU
Jerry Clyde is what I would call a teacher, he has demonstrated this by making sure his students are prepared. His teaching has students eager to learn. He is always prepared with something new and exciting for his students. They never want to leave Mr. Clyde's class. You rock Mr. Clyde, keep doing what you do and love.
Mr. Clyde is definitely a life changer. He is committed to making a difference in the lives of his students and his community. He is an excellent teacher who wants the best for his students. His love for teaching shows in every thing he does. Whenever he is with younger family members he takes time to talk with them about the importance of education and the need to have future goals. I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished. Keep up the good work Mr. Clyde.
Jerry Clyde is one of the most dedicated and hard-working teachers and role models I know. When he lived in NJ, he was consistently dedicated to being a change maker in the community. Whether he was volunterring his time with his fraternity, helping me organize a monthly lunch prep to feed the homeless or tutoring his cousins or family friends, he is always ready to step up. Mr. Clyde is an inspiring person.
Mr.Clyde...where do i start? Since elementary school he has always been the best tutor a girl could ask for. He made it his business since I was a little girl to walk me from my bus stop everyday after school and always helped with my homework and projects. Let’s just say with his guidance I’ve never received anything less that an A+. He has always emphasized to all of his peers that education is the key to surviving in the real world. When I think of education I think of Mr.Clyde. He always say it’s never too late and you are never too old to further your education. His family is extremely proud of him and everything that he is doing. He doesn’t teach for a paycheck he teaches because that is his passion. Any student who has him as a teacher/mentor is truly blessed to have someone like him guiding them for a fantastic future. He leaves great impressions wherever he goes. I’m sure that is something we can all agree on. I nominate Mr. Clyde for this award because he is truly a life changer.
Mr Clyde is the kind of educator that you want to educate a student. He's very passionate and caring and takes pride in each task he takes on. Jerry also takes time whenever he's in Jersey to help feed the homeless #lunchbag. He is a fine example of what we need in the education field as a teacher and leader. If you've ever seen him at work you know what I'm talking about.
Mr. Clyde has proven to be an exponential role model, not just for young males but for all of his students through the practice of positive reinforcement when needed. In addition, he has shown his leadership capabilities by upholding a higher standard for learning and shedding light on the possibilities of life for his students. Mr. Clyde serves as a mentor for his students outside the classroom and his peers by giving/using his resources to enlighten all those who come in contact with him.
Jerry is drven and motivated to helping students see the true potential they possess. Jerry has a special way with connecting with his students while still remaining professional. His ability to work above and beyond the call of duty is truly unmatched. Jerry has continued to offer guidance not only to his students but his peers as well.
Mr. Clyde is a positive role model wherever he goes. He wants to make a difference in his community and he is definitely doing that everyday. He is a dedicated and hard working teacher. He is a definitely a Life Changer and deserving of this award.
Mr. Clyde defines the meaning of an extraordinary teacher. Mr. Clyde’s has a passion and eagerness to learn and grown in the field of education, while seeking real solutions to the issues faced in our public schools. Mr. Clyde takes a personal interest in each student he comes across and always evaluate and ask himself “how can I make this student better.” Mr. Clyde is more then deserving of this award.
More youth need role models and change makers like you to motivate and be a positive force in their lives. Keep doing what you do!
I have known Jerry since his Freshman year at Shaw University. I
have seen him grow as a young man. He has shown that he
process good leadership qualities. He is liked by his peers as well
as his professors .
Jerry is a leader, an organizer, a team player and works hard at
what he wishes to accomplish. He shows a great love for all
mankind and is a true Alpha man.
I have seen him in action as he helped organize a panel of Greeks
to discuss the accomplishments of their organizations and present
their ideas to interested students.
Skillful, conscientious, and committed are three adjectives to properly describe Jerry Clyde. They are aspects that I believe will continue to make him a true asset to the field of education. With these strengths in mind, I highly recommend him for this award.
I have had the pleasure of working with Jerry as a colleague and have found him to be very reliable and skillful. As the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Team Leader, I work with my team to create action plans to help struggling students become successful. I have been able to depend on his expertise of consistently implementing action plan interventions, building relationships with students, and a willingness to go above and beyond by seeking additional strategies. Because of Jerry, there are countless students who have experienced academic success because of his willingness to utilize all of his talents to decrease the barriers students are faced with each day.
Secondly, as a Teacher, Jerry’s schedule affords him a preparatory time and lunchtime. However, during these times he is often seen collaborating with grade level teachers, lending a hand to a student experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges, and does it all with a smile. He is so inspiring that I asked him to be a male mentor to a student who lacks a male figure in the home. Since this mentorship relationship has been established, the student has been completing assignments, smiling in the hallways, and excited about coming to school. This is only one example of Jerry’s benevolence and thoughtfulness.
He not only provides for students in the areas above, but his level of commitment extends to the school at large. He provides sound instruction to our students in all grades. Jerry is able to reach our students and provide them with meaningful lessons in a range of subjects that include: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and media services.
Jerry has a natural ability to engage and support the students that he works with. It is a joy to watch him teach and interact with the class. He is enthusiastic about learning and the content that he delivers to the students. Jerry implemented many types of learning situations, including whole group and small group activities, independent student projects throughout the school, and one-on-one student/teacher interactions. Jerry utilized a variety of strategies for classroom management. He set standards for behavior and created a positive learning environment for the classroom. He always kept me up to date with how the children were doing and kept excellent records of their progress.
During his Student Teaching , he demonstrated several qualities that I believe qualify him as a strong teacher. One of those qualities is his ability to motivate and inspire the students. Mr. Clyde came to school each day with charisma and enthusiasm that I have seen from few professionals. This charisma and enthusiasm, in turn, were transferred to the students in the classroom. In spite of any challenges he may have been facing, this spirit continued throughout his placement. Another quality Mr. Clyde possesses is an enjoyment and respect for the children. Throughout his day-to-day interactions with the students, it was evident that he enjoyed working with children and also respected their various differences. In addition to voluntary mentoring individual students, he also formed a step team to allow students to showcase all of their many talents.
Mr. Clyde was always creative and innovative in his methods of instruction and in his dealings with the tough issues that presented themselves in his classroom placements. For example, upon hearing he would be our substitute librarian mid-way through the school year, Mr. Clyde immediately set out to plan powerful instruction. He researched our District’s library curriculum and began to design interactive learning stations that were grade-level appropriate. These hands-on stations were highly motivational and allowed the students to apply skills they had previously been introduced to.
Behavior management was also a key area in which he demonstrated great ability. Regardless of his placement, Mr. Clyde’s command of the classroom greatly influenced the degree to which students were able to maintain focus and learn. When problems did arise, he handled them with equity, fairness, and a genuine eye towards the best interest of each individual student.
In summation, Mr. Clyde proved to be a powerful, flexible and self-motivated professional throughout the school year.
As a superintendent I am frequently asked to write letters of recommendation and comments to support teaches or principals. Sometimes due lack of information or knowledge of an individual I struggle with words. With this comment, I find totally different problem. Because of the limited space, I am forced to leave out many wonderful things. I am proud and honored to write this comment as his former superintendent from 2013-2015.
Mr. Clyde has always been driven to develop his skills as a teacher. He came to us a student teacher, eagerly taking up extra responsibilities such as advisor of the school step-team , and was a member of our curriculum committee. He continued to demonstrate this drive through his tenure at our school, even becoming the head of the curriculum committee his last year with us. Mr. Clyde embraces any opportunity for professional development, which makes him an ideal leader.
Mr. Clyde has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially children. His ability to connect with his students and his talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly superior. He also has excellent written and verbal communication skills with both parents and teachers.
Mr.Clyde's loyalty and commitment to his students is overwhelming. With Mr. Clyde there is never a question of his professionalism or honesty. He truly is an administrators dream teacher. He love his job, he work hard, he is extremely successful and the community (internal and external) respects his abilities.
Mr.Clyde accomplishes all these tasks with great initiative and with a positive attitude. I know for a fact that Trenton Public Schools will love to have you back or may come to Virginia.
Mr. Jerry Clyde is a wonderful educator, leader, co-worker, and mentor. He puts his students needs first. He believes in his students and never gives up on them. He teaches them how to become leaders and never give up. He never forget any of his students or any child that have cross his path. Mr. Clyde believe in our youth and he is determine to make a change. Keep pushing and doing what makes a difference in our community. Mr. Clyde will be an awesome person for the Award.
Mr Clyde,
Where do I begin? When there's not enough words to express my gratitude to you. At the age of three years old you taught my son how to spell and write his name. He wasn't even enrolled in school yet but you made it your business to bring him worksheets and books daily. You would always say "it starts at home & want him to be prepared for his first day of preschool." You are now hundreds of miles away from us and you still make it your business to call and check on my son and offer any advice & learning techniques. Thank you for your guidance, friendship, and discipline. Beyond the books and four walls of a classroom ,there are so many things to teach and to learn. I must say you are a teacher who does not only rely on your mind but also on your heart. You’ve dipped into your own pocket for lunch money for kids who have none; given rides home when someone else forgets; or even miraculously produced a pair of gloves for a kid who spends recess with hands in pockets, listened to a child who needed to express fear or sadness, and etc. I salute you Jerry and all the teachers around the world!!
What an inspirational person Mr. Clyde is and has always been since I met him. While working with him at Gregory Elementary School, I knew then that he had a strong desire to see inner city youth strive for greatness. I will never forget this speech he gave this one particular class about never giving up. This was a tough group of kids might. Little did he know, his speech encouraged me in my career as an educator also. He explained to them that if he would have given up, he wouldn’t be here with them now. His struggle brought him to them. That was powerful. Being an Educator is rewarding but also a tough role. Your held accountable for so many children and your input influences their output. Mr. Clyde is definitely one that has a strong influence on not just the children he teaches, but on the community he serves. He serves his community with humility and honor. This noble character is one we greatly need in the classroom. I want to say “thank you” for being a great example, motivator, community builder and fellow educator!!
Mr. Clyde is an educator who exudes positivity and humor. You can see that he loves and respects his students, and that the feeling is mutual. He is a great teacher who surely deserves this award. Way to go, Mr. Clyde.
Phenomenal!! It's great to see their are teachers out there who love their job and want the best for there students. Mr. Clyde exemplifies that love and passion for his students to excel.
What an inspirational person Mr. Clyde is and has always been since I met him. While working with him at Gregory Elementary School, I knew then that he had a strong desire to see inner city youth strive for greatness. I will never forget this speech he gave this one particular class about never giving up. This was a tough group of kids might. Little did he know, his speech encouraged me in my career as an educator also. He explained to them that if he would have given up, he wouldn’t be here with them now. His struggle brought him to them. That was powerful. Being an Educator is rewarding but also a tough role. Your held accountable for so many children and your input influences their output. Mr. Clyde is definitely one that has a strong influence on not just the children he teaches, but on the community he serves. He serves his community with humility and honor. This noble character is one we greatly need in the classroom. I want to say “thank you” for being a great example, motivator, community builder and fellow educator!!
I nominate Jerry Clyde for the Life Changer award. He is a wonderful teacher.
I can write a book on you Jerry Clyde. From the title to the end would only speak of greatness. Your accomplishments speaks volumes. I'm so proud of you. Congratulations.
So proud of you Jerry and how you represent not only your family but every black young man who see no way out you are definitely an prime example of hard work determination and black boy magic !!!
Mr. Clyde Is an outstanding, fantastic, dedicated teacher. He helped my daughter strive through difficulties with her work and pushed her everyday till she got it. My daughter been an honor roll student ever since. Mr.Clyde pushed her through her school work. He told her never to give up,even if you give the wrong answer. He explained to my daughter its okay to be wrong, least you tried”. She been on the roll ever since and is now a 5th grader making honor roll every marketing period. Mr. Clyde is amazing and I’m thankful for the hard work, and dedication with helping my daughter succeed in public schooling.
Mr.Clyde is a beautiful person inside and out. I think he will be a awesome choice!
Me. Clyde is a wonderful educator, who puts his all to make a difference. He works hard to make a difference.
Clyde is an ex-co worker of mine. He’s very much dedicated and is very very passionate about his students. He goes above and beyond for his students. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to see his students excelling; need it be excelling academically, socially or emotionally. Mr. Clyde is a Jew and don’t ever loose him because we are anxiously waiting for him to come back! I nominate Jerry Clyde because he is a life -changer!!
Here because I will support anyone that Derrick Stephenson supports so much
Jerry Clyde is a man who makes a difference inside and outside of the classroom. It’s obvious that he truly loves his scholars. I have observed his classroom for an entire day. It was transparent that he puts his heart into his role as an educator. I’m so proud of this brother. He holds the light high and is an exemplar of what a role model should be for our youth.
Jerry Clyde is a fellow peer who has continually demonstrated his passionate dedication to his students. He continues to tailor his lesson and classroom environment that best suits his students . He is embodied what a leader should be.
Jerry Clyde is committed to the long-term success of his students and is a motivation to his peers. Keep inspiring us all Mr. Clyde!!!
Mr. Clyde is an outstanding educator,mentor, friend, and accountability partner. He is a true definition of "life changer". !
Mr. Clyde is a devoted teacher that goes the extra mile to insure that his students are in a safe and structured environment . He continues to grow in his career because of his personality and his ability to want to see everyone be great ! Mr.Clyde is a ongoing learner. He thrives in finding ways to help friends, colleagues, and students succeed when other people see task as impossible. When ever I need a pick me up speech or help professionally in my teaching career he is one of the first people I contact. I am so proud to know a man like Mr.Clyde and thank you for educating and building positive relationships with our children of tomorrow..
Mr. Clyde and I worked together back in 2015 I believe. Mr. Clyde was a great addition to the team that we already had established. He came with great input, suggestions, and energy. I was sad to see him go but happy to see that he was able to teach and mentor young minds. Proud to know him and happy he is an awesome teacher.
Mr. Clyde is awesome and such a positive romodel for young people of color. He makes a positive impact on his students as well as his colleagues. So happy to hear that he was nominated.
Mr Clyde is first and foremost a man of integrity. He is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Mr Clyde is not only a great teacher but has also earned the respect of all those he comes in contact with as a human being. He is a voracious reader and an intellectually curious person. Mr Clyde is eager to encourage a love of learning in all his students.
I nominate Jerry for the life changer of the year award because he deserves it in every aspect of education and more! Proud Shaw bear!
Mr. Clyde is a positive role model who is very passionate about his students and education. He has always been great at building a good rapport with his students, their families and staff. This nomination is well deserved and a step in the right direction for an even brighter future.
Definitely a lifechanger! True leader and educator to our youth!
Having worked with Jerry Clyde I feel comfortable saying he is one of a kind. His level of empathy and patience can be matched only by his phenomenal work ethic. This nomination is well deserved.
I was Jerry Clydes 1st grade teacher. From the first day I knew Jerry was different. He had a drive and desire to do well and a heart to help others. Nothings changed there! Jerry gave back to our school for years! We were so sad he left us for bigger career and educational opportunities but we know the world needs him!! Though I still see Jerry has a little boy I am proud of the man he has become!
What an intriguing story! What a pleasure it is to see people really making a difference in our youths life!
Jerry Clyde is an absolutely inspiring teacher. I had the pleasure of working with him briefly. He was a long term substitute at the school where I taught 2nd grade. He took the place of my absent teammate and he absolutely became a part of my team. Jerry wasn’t the kind of substitute who showed up right at the first bell and left at the last. He gave his all to his students, even when he knew they would only be his students for a limited period of time. Jerry’s positive attitude and ever-present smile made him a favorite among staff and students. We miss him greatly, but it’s so wonderful to see that his new school recognizes how amazing he is!
V.I.P. Jerry Clyde. One of the most positive and uplifting person I know. I knew in college he was destined for greatness.
Mr. Clyde was meant to be an educator. As the principal of the school where he was an AmeriCorps tutor for a year, I'm not surprised he is excelling as a classroom teacher. Mr. Clyde always had incredibly strong relationships with students and held them to high academic and behavioral expectations. He was always open to helping out wherever he was needed, and did so with a smile. He was a phenomenal asset to our team and I wish he was still teaching at our school! We'd have him back in a heartbeat.
IM VERY PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.. LOVE U
Mr. Clyde is truly an outstanding and creative educator. His passion for education and teaching continues to make a difference in the lives of his students. I am honored to have worked with him in the past. Mr. Clyde's incredible work ethic and commitment to excellence inspires both his students and colleagues to strive to reach their full potential. He is a shinning example leadership and educational excellence in his community!
Mr. Clyde shows genuine care and admiration for each and every student he meets. He is a generous and hard-working co-worker and teammate who is a pleasure to work with in any scenario. He truly believes that all students can and must achieve and he does everything in his power to make that happen every single day. I have watched him work with students who were struggling and keep pushing them no matter what while also encouraging them tirelessly. He changes the lives of everyone whose path he crosses!
Mr. Clyde is an amazing educator! I worked with him in Boston, MA, when he was an AmeriCorps tutor at my school. He was enthusiastic about working with ALL students. The students who were lucky enough to work with him loved learning with him!!
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Clyde during his Match Corps year in Boston, MA during the 2015-2016 school year. Every child that Mr. Clyde tutored greeted him with a smile and was always excited to learn with him. Mr. Clyde always made sure to have a positive relationship with the students' parents so that they were all on the same page in knowing what their child needs to succeed. We are so happy to hear that Mr. Clyde is nominated for this award and excited to see what other impacts he makes in education!!
Mr.Clyde is an incredible educator and I am thrilled to hear that he has been nominated for this award! I had the extreme pleasure of working with Mr.Clyde when he was an AmeriCorps Tutor at our school in Boston, MA. I was always impressed by his joy, positivity, and the deep relationships he developed with kids and adults alike. I am not surprised at all that he is impacting and changing lives in his classroom every day. The world of education is SO LUCKY to have this wonderful man and I hope he stays in teaching for many years to come!
Mr. Clyde has been an inspiration for his students and other adults. When meeting Mr. Clyde he has always helped other educators, such as myself succeed in any way they can. He finds ways for educators to reach other students such as funding resources, professional developments and other materials an educator may need. He always has the persons best interest at heart and is always willing to help others before he helps himself. I wouldn’t be the educator I am today without Mr. Clyde’s help and recommendations. He is truly a blessing.
I nominate Jerry Clyde for the life changer award he is an awesome teacher!
Mr. Clyde has made incredible impacts in classrooms all throughout the country and will continue to shape the lives of all he meets. So honored to have worked with and learned from you in Boston and am eager for our paths to cross again!
This is only a brief excerpt of the greatness that lies within Mr. Clyde. He's something like a rockstar. As his current principal, you know you've found a great teacher when they make YOU a better person. Thanks Mr. Clyde for being at your best EVERYDAY & inspiring others to do the same.
This is only a brief excerpt of the greatness that lies within Mr. Clyde. He's something like a rockstar. As his current principal, you know you've found a great teacher when they make YOU a better person. Thanks Mr. Clyde for being at your best EVERYDAY & inspiring others to do the same.
Mr. Clyde is an amazing teacher. He really strives to make sure every student has what they need to be successful. He knows his content and has all of his students engaged. Walking by his classroom, you see students focused and excited about whatever they are working on. And outside of the classroom, Mr. Clyde supports his students by tutoring and going to games. He is seen around the neighborhood of his students and is always welcomed with smiles!
