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.
The award was presented for the third time with finalists from across the state in attendance.
Adams believes investing in relationships with students is the most significant part of his job. His most important piece of advice to beginning teachers – “you are enough.”
“I recognize that many students are often enduring hardships that they might not always share with adults, yet they are still carrying these burdens with them, completing their homework, and trying to find their group in school,” Adams wrote in his application. “I hope they learn that I am here to support them.”
A student shared “through his actions (Mr. Adams) has shown me what it truly means to be a generous, humble, and kind adult. Being his student has made me want to be a better person and learner.”
NCCAT is thankful for the opportunity to celebrate the teaching profession, according to NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble.
"Educators like Mr. Adams embody what it means to be a teacher. Not only is he committed to teaching – he inspires his students to learn,” Womble said. “NCCAT salutes Mr. Adams as well as all the teachers being acknowledged at the NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Ceremony -- who are dedicated to the education and development of North Carolina’s children. NCCAT is thankful for this opportunity to honor the teaching profession tonight. We appreciate all who made it possible.”
The runner-up is Greene County Middle School Chorus/General Music teacher with Greene County Schools Meghan Chinn.
The other 2022 NCCAT Prudential NC Beginning Teachers of the Year finalists are:
|
Anson County Schools |
Erin Thomas |
|
Ashe County Schools |
Charlene Horton |
|
Asheboro City Schools |
Keichelle Joyce |
|
Beaufort County Schools |
Brianna Genello |
|
Brunswick County Schools |
Denise-Marie Copeland |
|
Buncombe County Schools |
Anneliese Shreve |
|
Charlotte Lab Charter School |
Meghan Dugan |
|
Cleveland County Schools |
Ricky Alston, Jr. |
|
Clinton City Schools |
Thomas Kweon |
|
Edenton-Chowan Schools |
Kaitlyn Smith |
|
Franklin County Schools |
Rachel McKeithan |
|
Guilford County Schools |
Minh McNicholas |
|
Harnett County Schools |
Jenae Dwornicki |
|
Lee County Schools |
Riley Sullivan |
|
McDowell County Schools |
Nicholas Reller |
|
Mount Airy City Schools |
Candice Fenton-Haynes |
|
New Hanover County Schools |
Rachel Norfleet |
|
Newton-Conover City Schools |
Kayleigh Spivey |
|
Pitt County Schools |
Ashley Parmley |
|
Socrates Academy |
Jackson Barkley |
|
Southern Wake Academy |
David Witkowski |
|
Stanly County Schools |
Casey Thompson |
|
Transylvania County Schools |
Ashlee O'Dwyer |
|
Wake County Public Schools |
Zoe Grove |
|
Wilkes County Schools |
Brooke Bentley |
Guest speakers for the evening included Eugenia Floyd, North Carolina 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Teacher of the Year; and Julie Pittman, Assistant to NCDPI Superintendent: Educator Engagement. The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor beginning teachers who are the future of education in North Carolina. Information about the program is online at www.nccat.org/btoy
Recognition:
The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year will receive:
$5,000 cash prize
Participation for the winner in a GoGlobal NC trip in 2023
Instructional supply funds for the teacher's school
A piece of fine jewelry from Diamonds Direct
Runner-up will receive:
$2,000 cash prize
Finalists received:
Travel expenses and substitute cost for regional finalists to participate in NCCAT professional development and leadership development.
Sponsors:
Signature
Prudential Retirement
Gold
Western Carolina University College of Education and Allied Professions
Silver
Dr. and Mrs. Jim and June Causby
Bronze
Branching Minds
Diamonds Direct
Edmentum
Great Minds
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Instructure
Letterland
Lexia Learning Systems
Pierce Group Benefits
Scholastic Education Solutions
Schwartz Law PLLC
Patron
Appalachian State University Reich College of Education
Campbell Shatley, PLLC
North Carolina State University College of Education
Special Thanks
Steering Committee, Beginning Teacher of the Year
Board of Directors, The Development Foundation of NCCAT, Inc.
NCCAT Board of Trustees