In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) has rescheduled the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award. The event will now take place from February 17-20, 2025, with the recognition ceremony set for February 20. This prestigious award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to inspiring students to reach their full potential.
The recognition ceremony will now be held Feb. 20th at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. The ceremony will honor one outstanding CTE teacher who has made a significant impact on students' preparation for future academic and career success.
The 2025 finalists, representing diverse regions and disciplines from across North Carolina, will participate in a week-long professional development program at NCCAT's Cullowhee campus from February 17-20. This immersive experience is designed to enhance their teaching skills and provide them with innovative tools to continue making a lasting impact in their classrooms—just as NCCAT strives to do for educators statewide.
“We appreciate everyone working with us to reschedule this event, and we continue to keep all those impacted by Hurricane Helene in our hearts and thoughts,” said NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble. “We are proud to honor these exceptional educators who are at the forefront of Career and Technical Education in North Carolina. Their innovative approaches to teaching and unwavering commitment to student achievement make a lasting impact. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable contributions to education.”
Finalists for the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award:
- David Dixon, Southside High School, Beaufort County Schools
- Alisha Pierri, Center of Applied Science and Technology, Brunswick County Schools
- Ashleigh Miller, Mount Pleasant Middle School, Cabarrus County Schools
- Travis Adkison, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
- Fred Mason, Columbus Career and College Academy, Columbus County Schools
- Misty Guthrie, Tucker Creek Middle School, Craven County Schools
- Megan Frazier, JP Knapp Early College High School, Currituck County Schools
- Cathy Berrier, Ledford High School, Davidson County Schools
- Tyler D'Angelo, CE Jordan High School, Durham Public Schools
- Brooke Clapp, Southeast Guilford High School, Guilford County Schools
- Terry Drum, Hickory High School, Hickory City Schools
- Tracy Skeens, Crossroads Arts and Science Early College, Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Melissa Haigler, Smoky Mountain High School, Jackson County Public Schools
- Ashley Holloman, Corinth Holders High School, Johnston County Public Schools
- Nicole Extine, Madison High School, Madison County Schools
- Stephanie Shaw, Mooresville Middle School, Mooresville Graded School District
- Miranda Wells, Topsail High School, Pender County Schools
- Angie Byrne, JH Rose High School, Pitt County Schools
- Phyllis King, Lumberton Junior High School, Public Schools of Robeson County
- Vernon Blackman, Midway High School, Sampson County Schools
- Sarah Johnson, Surry Central High School, Surry County Schools
- Toby Sorrell, Swain County High School, Swain County Schools
- Steven Ward, Watauga High School, Watauga County Schools
- Megan Gambill, West Wilkes High School, Wilkes County Schools
About NCCAT:
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) is dedicated to elevating teaching as both an art and a profession. Through high-quality professional development programs, NCCAT equips pre-K through 12th-grade educators with the tools and resources needed to ensure that every student in North Carolina benefits from an excellent education.