Schools salute longtime music teacher
SMITHFIELD – Darla Peden is among this year’s Johnston County Public Schools living legends.
The schools annually honor former teachers who were dedicated to the children they taught and left a legacy of influential teaching methods.
The music teacher Peedin taught at Four Oaks Elementary for seven years, North Johnston Middle for six years, and North Johnston High for 17 years. She taught honor choir, beginning choir and ensemble and helped organize the school district’s annual star show.
Peedin is a National Board Certified Teacher, a graduate of Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College, and East Carolina University.
Its educational philosophy stems from fundamental principles that emphasize the role of the teacher in inspiring and leading meaningful, student-centered learning. She believes that teachers must believe in their students and their potential, build meaningful relationships, use and engage in relevant teaching methods, have a lifelong learning mindset and have a passion for their particular field.
Peedin currently serves as director of the Johnston County Education Foundation. She is the pianist at Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church, and has taught a music course at Johnston Community College since 2014.
Peedin is a member of Rotary, Kappa Gamma Delta, N.C. Teachers Association and N.C. Music Educators Association.
Her name will join others in the Living Legends Room in the US 70 Business School District Administration Building.
