Rowan-Salisbury School System Announces 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year

The Rowan-Salisbury School System (RSS) is proud to announce Michael Knox as the 2026-2027 RSS Teacher of the Year and Susan Bruce as the 2026-2027 RSS Staff Member of the Year.

Teacher of the Year – Michael Knox

Now in his sixth year of teaching at Hurley Elementary School, Michael Knox creates the same joy and positive experiences for his students as he felt growing up in school. 

“I wanted to pour back into the same community that poured into me,” said Knox. 

After spending his first two years in fourth grade, Knox transitioned to fifth grade, where he has spent the past four years helping students build confidence in themselves as learners, evolving from a more lecture-based approach to one centered on student engagement, discussion, and ownership. Drawing inspiration from mentors and learning experiences, he encourages students to explain their thinking, defend their ideas, and embrace productive struggle. 

“I’ve always believed that all students can succeed,” Knox shared, “but I’ve learned that students thrive the most when they feel supported, challenged, and actively involved in the learning process.”

Knox shares that “being named Teacher of the Year for the district honestly feels surreal.” He recognizes that RSS, along with the influence of his mentors, coaches, colleagues, and administrators, has played a meaningful role in his journey as an educator. 

“I want to thank everyone for continuing to pour into me as we work together to develop well-rounded students,” Knox said.

Staff Member of the Year – Susan Bruce

For Susan Bruce, serving students has always been about much more than preparing meals. Throughout her career journey, Bruce has returned to education several times, serving in roles including bus driver, Child Nutrition employee, and now Cafeteria Manager at Hanford Dole Elementary School. No matter the position, her focus has remained the same: making students feel seen, valued, and cared for each day.

Bruce begins every morning by greeting students with a smile and believes kindness can make a lasting impact. Whether through a joke, a hug, or a simple smile, she hopes to make each student’s day a little easier.

“I have always told myself you don’t ever know what someone is facing,” Bruce shared. “BE KIND and show LOVE and make others feel like they matter.”

Bruce describes being named Staff Member of the Year as both a shock and an honor. She credits her coworkers and the Child Nutrition team for supporting their students and one another each day. Bruce encourages others who may be considering joining education to view the work not simply as a job but as an opportunity to make a difference.

“Be all you can be to make people smile,” Bruce said, “and love being at the job that makes a difference in someone’s life years down the road.”

RSS Superintendent Dr. Kelly Withers led the surprise announcements at each winner’s school.

“Mr. Knox and Mrs. Bruce each represent the very best of Rowan-Salisbury Schools in their own unique ways,” said Withers. “Mr. Knox inspires students through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a belief that every child can succeed, while Mrs. Bruce also creates a welcoming environment where students feel cared for and supported each day. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to students serve as a model across our district for the lasting impact every RSS employee can have on students’ lives. We are incredibly proud to recognize them as our Teacher and Staff Member of the Year.”

Knox and Bruce were announced as district winners at their respective schools on May 6 and celebrated during a board of education meeting on May 11. They each received a trophy, flowers, signs, and a prize bag filled with gifts and donations from local businesses, including The Holy Grind, Sam’s Car Wash, Chick-fil-A, True IP Solutions, and an RSS vendor, ParentSquare. 

Rowan-Salisbury Schools congratulates Knox and Bruce and thanks all educators throughout the district for their dedication, who make a lasting difference in students’ lives each day.

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