The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) proudly announces the runner-up for the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award is Alisha Pierri, a Culinary Arts and Hospitality teacher at the Center of Applied Science and Technology in Brunswick County Schools. The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University on Thursday, February 20th.

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) proudly announces Tyler D’Angelo, an agriculture teacher at CE Jordan High School in Durham Public Schools, as the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year. The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University on Thursday, February 20th.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. Honored Educator Scholarships (HES) provide an opportunity for selected teachers to attend an NCCAT seminar of their choice. An HES covers all costs associated with participation in a NCCAT seminar, including program materials, instruction, food, lodging, transportation, and substitute teacher. The honored educator also receives $250 for use in the classroom. NCCAT provides teachers with new knowledge, skills, teaching methods, best practices and information to take back to their classrooms through high-quality professional development. The ultimate result is improved performance and achievement by North Carolina’s students.

Join us this summer for transformative professional development at NCCAT. Our residential programs provide educators with the tools, strategies, and support to elevate their teaching. Each week, teachers engage in content-rich instruction, explore proven methodologies, and receive coaching to implement new insights effectively. These programs foster an environment for exchanging innovative ideas and practical strategies that benefit students statewide. The goal? To empower educators to create classrooms where students are more engaged, self-motivated, and successful. Apply now!