Employee of the Month (May 2009)

Sam's Club Recognizes James Reid as Outstanding District Employee

When Reverend Pam Strader’s son was diagnosed with a sudden disabling chronic illness, she wasn’t sure how her family would cope with such difficult circumstances. Then they met James Reid, a Guilford County Schools (GCS) teacher for homebound students, and just as suddenly, her family, and more importantly, her son, had a gifted and compassionate educator to count on.

Three years later, Strader’s son has not only learned a great deal despite challenging situations, but he’s also excelled, earning top marks on his end-of-course exams. “Mr. Reid’s steady presence and uplifting humor have been some of the greatest gifts our son has received in the course of a life-changing illness. The two of them usually end their instructional time trading barbs about Carolina and Duke. We are grateful for him and his dedication to keeping Brian engaged, learning and achieving.”

Betty Ann Chandler, executive director of the Department for Exceptional Children, couldn’t agree with Strader more: “Mr. Reid embodies all the characteristics that define a true educator. His dedication to our children and their families is unparalleled, and he communicates his enthusiasm for learning to all of his home and hospital students each day.”

As Employee of the Month, Reid was surprised with a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has generously partnered with GCS to support the employee recognition program.

Know an outstanding employee like Reid who settles for nothing less than excellence? Nominate him or her to be the GCS Employee of the Month here: www.gcsnc.com/employees/emp_month/index.aspx.

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.