CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Twenty-seven educators from across North Carolina have been named finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. These exceptional teachers have been recognized for their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to succeed.
The award celebrates promising beginning teachers and supports their retention as outstanding educators and leaders in North Carolina public and charter schools. One finalist will be named the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, following a rigorous selection process by a panel of judges.
Finalists will attend a professional development week in Greensboro, N.C. March 24-28, 2025, at the Truist Leadership Institute. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony on March 27, 2025, at the Elliott University Center auditorium on the campus of University of North Carolina Greensboro.
“NCCAT is honored to recognize this remarkable group of educators,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “Each finalist has demonstrated a profound commitment to their students, schools, and communities. Their work exemplifies the best of teaching and highlights the critical role educators play in shaping our future. Congratulations to all our finalists—North Carolina is proud of you.”
The Signature Sponsor for this year’s event is the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. “Supporting and retaining exceptional educators is essential to the success of North Carolina’s students and schools,” said Alfred Mays, Chief Diversity Officer at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. “This award recognizes the passion, talent, and commitment of beginning teachers who inspire their students and communities. These finalists represent the future of education in our state, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.”
Meet the Finalists
- De'Ana Tyson, Alamance-Burlington School System
- Andrew Cerillo, Ashe County School System
- Luca Clemens, Asheville City School System
- Katherine (Kate) Hilsabeck, Bradford Preparatory School
- Malachi Curtis, Burke County Public School System
- Summer Espinosa, Cabarrus County School System
- Kalah Wilson, Carolina Charter Academy
- Lauren Oliver, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System
- Rebekah Byrd, Clinton City School System
- Haleigh Baker, Cumberland County School System
- Julie Morgan, Currituck County School System
- Makenna Rose, Greene County School System
- Alexander (Alex) Holmes, Guilford County School System
- Scott Denton, Harnett County School System
- Amber Maxwell, Hoke County School System
- Grace Ward, Hyde County School System
- Emma Maney, Jackson County Public School System
- Priscilla Baker, Martin County School System
- Kevin Ojaniit, New Hanover County School System
- Yocelyn Almanza, Newton-Conover City School System
- Kristen Douglas, Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (NEAAT)
- Estefania Page, Rutherford County School System
- Bella Dobbins, Stanly County School System
- Sydney McKeaver, Surry County School System
- Raven Spencer, Union County Public School System
- Pieter Westerbeek, Wake County Public School System
- Ashley Harper, Wayne County Public School System
Awards and Recognition
The NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year will receive:
- $5,000 cash prize
- Participation in a GoGlobal NC professional development trip in 2026
- Instructional supply funds for their school
The Runner-Up will receive:
- $2,000 cash prize
All Finalists will receive:
- Travel and substitute costs covered to attend the NCCAT professional development week
About NCCAT
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) supports teachers and impacts students through high-quality professional development programs. By increasing teacher effectiveness, NCCAT strengthens public education across the state. NCCAT equips educators with innovative teaching methods, best practices, and resources to bring back to their classrooms.
To learn more about NCCAT’s programs, visit www.nccat.org or call 828-293-5202.
About Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is a private foundation dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences and supporting the next generation of scientific researchers and educators. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in science, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund has made a significant investment in the realm of STEM education. In the past 25 years, BWF has invested more than $100 million to support initiatives and networks in STEM education. In addition to funding, BWF provides opportunities for interactions with colleagues and engagement with the broader community of educators and grant recipients across other BWF education programs. BWF’s focus on support of education highlights the belief in the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of scientific discovery and addressing complex global challenges.