CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Twenty-four outstanding educators from across North Carolina have been named finalists for the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Teacher of the Year Award. These educators exemplify outstanding commitment, excellence, and ability to inspire and empower their students.
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), in partnership with NCDPI and NCACTE, developed the CTE Teacher of the Year award to honor outstanding CTE educators, promote teacher leadership, and elevate the importance of CTE in North Carolina public schools. John Kirkman, NCACTE Executive Director shared, “These CTE Teachers represent the outstanding CTE programs across the state. They provide innovative opportunities for students to prepare and engage their career interests while supporting their communities. These finalists are building tomorrow's leaders today.”
The prestigious award honors Career and Technical (CTE) teachers and promotes their growth as outstanding educators and leaders in North Carolina public and charter schools. One finalist will be named the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Teacher of the Year following a competitive selection process led by a panel of education leaders.
Finalists will participate in a week of professional development at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro, N.C., from December 1–5, 2025. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony on December 4, 2025, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.
“These finalists exemplify the dedication and innovation that are vital to career and technical education in North Carolina,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “Their commitment to inspiring students and advancing their skills highlights the promise of our education system’s future. NCCAT is honored to recognize and support these exceptional teachers as leaders who shape the workforce and communities of tomorrow.”
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is the Signature Sponsor for this year’s program. “Career and Technical Education is a cornerstone of opportunity, and the finalists represent the very best of what’s possible when educators are empowered to lead with purpose, creativity, and care,” said Alfred Mays, Chief Diversity Officer at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. “We are proud to support this award and celebrate teachers who are not only preparing students for careers but also cultivating the confidence, curiosity, and skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”
Meet the Finalists
- Megan Colvard, Ashe County Schools
- Sarah Lawrence, Bear Grass Charter School
- Lacey Grogan Davis, Buncombe County Schools
- Heather Rose, Carteret County Public Schools
- Sarah Chandler, Caswell County Schools
- Patty Berge, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
- Tina White, Cleveland County Schools
- John Owens, Cumberland County Schools
- Darren Moore, Dare County Schools
- Paige Walker, Hickory Public Schools
- Olivia Atchley, Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Susan Perdue, Johnston County Public Schools
- Gary Andersen, Kannapolis City Schools
- Jessica Jones, Lenoir County Public Schools
- Larry Pickens, Macon County Schools
- Staci Shaw, McDowell County Schools
- Mike Bartholomew, Nash County Public Schools
- Trey Moore, New Hanover County Schools
- Michaelle Overman, Perquimans County Schools
- Ashley Gilbert, Polk County Schools
- Mark Walker, Randolph County Schools
- Johnny Jessup, Sampson County Schools
- Neil Smith, Scotland County Schools
- Lauren Murphy, Surry County Schools
Awards and Recognition
The NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year receives:
- $5,000 cash prize
- Participation for the winner in the national ACTE conference
- Instructional supply funds for the teacher's school
- Three-year membership in NCACTE
Runner-up receives:
- $2,000 cash prize
- Three-year membership in NCACTE
Finalists receive:
- Travel expenses and substitute cost for regional finalists to participate in NCCAT professional development and leadership development.
- One year membership in NCACTE
About NCCAT
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) supports educators through high-quality professional development designed to strengthen teacher effectiveness and student success. NCCAT equips educators with innovative instructional strategies, research-based practices, and resources they can apply immediately in their classrooms. Learn more at www.nccat.org or call 828-293-5202.
About the Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is a private foundation committed to advancing biomedical research and STEM education. Over the past 25 years, BWF has invested more than $100 million in programs supporting scientific discovery, educator development, and STEM initiatives across North Carolina and beyond. Through funding and collaboration, BWF works to build strong, inclusive networks that foster innovation and long-term impact in science education.