More than just Educators: Teachers as Leaders in the Community
Teachers have played a large role as community leaders for African-Americans in Western North Carolina. Teachers are key role models to African American students and were especially important during segregation. During Jim Crow, they were able to instill a sense of worth to their pupils during a time when many black children felt unworthy. These teachers made unquantifiable sacrifices to serve their children, families, and communities.
Teachers were, and still are, able to use their standing as role models in the community to become great community leaders. A prime example of one of these amazing people is Mary Sue Casey (pictured). She taught at Smoky Mountain High School, as well at Cherokee High School. At Smokey Mountain, she was the Teacher of the Year in 2000. After she retired teaching, she became very involved with local churches. At Liberty Baptist Church, Mary Sue is the treasurer, on the Budget Committee, and the Christian Education Director. She is the secretary of the Jackson County NAACP, which was formed in 2014.