Family Focus: CMS Teacher of the Year, Shanna Rae

Rae improved her students' math test scores by more than 100 percent, got a promotion, and was named the "Math Facilitator," by the schools' principal.

Rae's focus on each child's learning style has led to a huge improvement in test scores.

"She does whatever it takes to make sure every child is successful. 85 percent of our students met or exceeded what the state wanted them to do for math, which speaks to her passion and belief that all students can learn," said Principal Arlene Harris.

Rae, as a young girl, remembers feeling "lost," navigating math problems.

"When I look into a classroom and see a kid struggling and putting the pencil down, that was me," said Rae.

It wasn't until college that Rae learned different strategies to solve mathematical problems and gained her confidence, skills she is passing on to her students.

"So I sit with them, look at work, see their thinking and guide them in another direction sot here is clarity when they are looking at numbers," said Rae.

Rae will be awarded the "Teacher of the Year," award from the Charlotte Post.

"I'm excited. I don't look at it as this is for me, this is for educators across America," said Rae.

WSOC