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.
NCCAT enjoyed the opportunity to recognize Natalia Mejia, a teacher at CC Griffin STEM Middle School in Cabarrus County Schools, and the NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year at a recent Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education meeting. NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble and Deputy Executive Director Dr. Karen Sumner presented Ms. Mejia with the BTOY award. Thank you to all who were present including the principal at Ms. Mejia's school Dr. Yolanda Blakeney.
Open to teachers in their first, second, or third year of teaching, this program supports motivated beginning teachers by strengthening their knowledge base and classroom expertise.
CULLOWHEE – Xavier Adams, an Orange County High School teacher in Orange County Schools, was named the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year in a special ceremony at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University Thursday, February 17, 2022.
Thank you to these teachers from across North Carolina who joined us for "Success from the Start" in Ocracoke. Teachers developed their craft by understanding how to teach to the depth of their standards and differentiating for multiple levels of learners. Beginning educators had the opportunities to refine their teaching philosophies and class expectations. Within this seminar, teachers identified their most immediate needs for their classrooms, and time was spent exploring solutions to those needs. Great job! Thank you for all you do!
Open to teachers in their first, second, or third year of teaching, this program supports motivated beginning teachers by strengthening their knowledge base and classroom expertise. Teachers will develop their craft by understanding how to teach to the depth of their standards and differentiating for multiple levels of learners. Beginning educators will also have the opportunities to refine their teaching philosophies and class expectations.
The first few months of a school year can cause disillusionment for any teacher, but especially for novice educators. During this Focus Friday Session, beginning teachers will examine their current teaching practices in regards to classroom management and identify ways to engage students in learning. In addition, beginning teachers will use data from administrative evaluations and classroom assessments to improve student performance. Come find ways to reset your focus, manage responsibilities, and create joy in the day-to-day art of teaching.
Teachers from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2021 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award in honor of their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to achieve.
One of these talented educators will be named the NCCAT 20201 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award is scheduled to be presented on April 15, 2021, at the NCCAT Cullowhee Campus.
CULLOWHEE—Beginning Teachers have an opportunity in August to join the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a recognized national leader for professional development programming for teachers.