Beryl Torrence is the North Carolina Association of Educators’ Educational Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. She began her journey in North Carolina public schools as an assistant teacher at Forest Park Elementary School. Now, she is the Assistant Director of Operations for Transportation for Kannapolis City Schools.
Torrence has spent over 20 years as a member of the Kannapolis Association of Educators (KAE). Currently, she is the president of KAE and the Region 3 NCAE ESP Council Representative.
Transportation is a crucial component of a student’s success, and in Kannapolis City Schools, over 70% of students ride buses to school. However, Torrence's influence extends beyond the mere transportation of students to the school building. Her position offers her the chance to interact with students daily.
Two years ago, Torrence heard a disruption on her way to the cafeteria for lunch. She found a fiery young girl at the center of the commotion. After learning more about the student, she took the time to check in with the girl regularly. Over the school year, the girl went from being a daily problem for teachers to a final quarter with no discipline referrals.
“That young girl is now an 8th grader who seeks me out almost daily for a hug and to give me an update on her academics and overall school experience,” said Torrence. "She is now an honor roll student, poised for success."
Torrence’s influence is impacting her fellow educators, too. She takes immense pride in her position and the authority it holds. Her influence has helped raise the starting pay for bus drivers to $18.50 per hour from less than $12 per hour pre-COVID. Additionally, she has worked with administrators to offer professional development for bus drivers, such as CPR, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS), and other trainings.
“Beryl Torrence’s lifetime of work is an amazing example of the impact ESPs have on students and entire school communities,” said Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President. “Their role in our schools is too often overlooked, but nonetheless indispensable.”
Torrence’s passion for others extends outside of the classroom to her community. After the death of George Floyd, she worked with other leaders in her community to create the Community BRIDGE (Building Relationships with Intentional Dialogue, Grace, and Empathy) Project.
“The vision was to form a committee that would work to help the police department if Kannapolis were to face a similar tragedy,” Torrence described. “A member of the group reached out to me and asked if I would be a part of the group. It never crossed my mind to say ‘no.’ For something so impactful, I eagerly joined."
In addition, she serves on the Boards of the Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network and the Davidson Community Players, and the City of Kannapolis homelessness and affordable housing task force.
