CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Twenty-seven educators from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. These outstanding educators are recognized for their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to succeed.
"These 27 finalists have chosen one of society's most noble professions, and they deserve our reverence for dedicating their talents to North Carolina's children," said State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. "Beginning teachers like these bring innovation, passion, and fresh perspectives that energize our schools and inspire our students. At a time when recruiting and retaining excellent educators is more critical than ever, we must celebrate and support those who are just starting their teaching journey. Their commitment gives me great hope for the future of public education in North Carolina."
The Beginning Teacher of the Year award celebrates promising beginning teachers, supporting their retention as outstanding educators and leaders in North Carolina public schools. One finalist will be named the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, following a selection process by a panel of judges.
Finalists will attend a week of professional development from March 9-13, 2026, at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro, N.C. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony on March 12, 2026, at the Brendle Recital Hall in the Scales Fine Arts Center on the campus of Wake Forest University.
“NCCAT is honored to recognize this remarkable group of educators,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “Each finalist has demonstrated a profound commitment to their students, schools, and communities. Their work exemplifies the best of teaching and highlights the critical role educators play in shaping our future. Congratulations to all our finalists—North Carolina is proud of you.”
The Signature Sponsor for this year’s event is the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. “Supporting and retaining exceptional educators is essential to the success of North Carolina’s students and schools,” said Alfred Mays, Chief Diversity Officer at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. “This award recognizes the passion, talent, and commitment of beginning teachers who inspire their students and communities. These finalists represent the future of education in our state, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.”
Meet the Finalists
- Anna Sophia Steinki, Alamance-Burlington Schools
- Lindsay Annis, Beaufort County Schools
- Sarah Hersee, Brevard Academy
- Kennedy Elmore, Cabarrus County Schools
- Georgia Juhnke, Caldwell County Schools
- Zoe Couloumbis, Capital Encore Academy
- Amanda (Mandy) Rundgren, Carolina Charter Academy
- Emma Poovey, Catawba County Schools
- Arjge Brothers, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Morgan Dudley, Cherokee County Schools
- Amber Autry, Cumberland County Schools
- Lydia Surprenant, Currituck County Schools
- Kaitlyn Fletcher, Davie County Schools
- Lena Dallas, Haywood County Schools
- Sarah Schwartz, Henderson County Public Schools
- Marquitta Lassiter, Hertford County Schools
- Lillian (Lily) Hartsell, Lenoir County Public Schools
- Caroline Beam, Lincoln County Schools
- Erica (Sydney) Puente, Nash County Public Schools
- Allison Hancock, New Hanover County Schools
- Rebeckah Goras, Orange County Schools
- Sophia Foster, Pender County Schools
- Ashley Hutchins, Randolph County Schools
- Rhyane Jacobs, Public Schools of Robeson County
- Molly Todd, Wake County Schools
- Hester Claire Linville, Watauga County Schools
- Ellie McPherson, Whiteville City Schools
Awards and Recognition
The 2026 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year will receive:
- $5,000 cash prize
- Participation in a GoGlobal NC professional development trip in 2027
- Instructional supply funds for their school
The Runner-Up will receive:
- $2,000 cash prize
All Finalists will receive:
- Travel and substitute costs covered to attend the NCCAT professional development week
Sponsors
NCCAT extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors who make this program possible.
Signature Sponsor:
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Platinum Sponsor:
- Wake Forest University Department of Education
Global Education Sponsor:
- Participate Learning
Silver Sponsors:
- Dr. And Mrs. Jim and June Causby
- Western Carolina University College of Education and Allied Professions
Bronze Sponsors:
- 95% Group
- Aetna
- Appalachian State University Reich College of Education
- Blum Construction
- Bojangles
- Great Minds
- IMSE
- Mark III Employee Benefits
- NC State University College of Education
- Schwartz Law, PLLC
Patron Sponsors:
- Builder Services, Inc.
- Campbell Shatley, PLLC
- Lincoln Learning Solutions
- Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
- Ocean Builders
- Pierce Group Benefits
- Tharrington Smith, LLP
- UNC-Charlotte Cato College of Education
- UNC-Greensboro School of Education
- UNC-Wilmington Watson College of Education
About NCCAT
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) supports teachers and impacts students through high-quality professional development programs. By increasing teacher effectiveness, NCCAT strengthens public education across the state.
NCCAT equips educators with innovative teaching methods, best practices, and resources to bring back to their classrooms. To learn more about NCCAT’s programs, visit www.nccat.org or call 828-293-5202.
About Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is a private foundation dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences and supporting the next generation of scientific researchers and educators. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in science,
the Burroughs Wellcome Fund has made a significant investment in the realm of STEM education. In the past 25 years, BWF has invested more than $100 million to support initiatives and networks in STEM education. In addition to funding, BWF provides
opportunities for interactions with colleagues and engagement with the broader community of educators and grant recipients across other BWF education programs. BWF’s focus on support of education highlights the belief in the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of scientific discovery and addressing complex global challenges.