North Carolina School Boards Association

Win of the Week 🔬 Burke educator earns national honor for science leadership

Congratulations to Holly Thomas of Burke County Public Schools for being named a 2026 Discovery Education Educator of the Year!

As an elementary instructional coach, Holly Thomas (pictured, center) is helping students move beyond memorizing facts and into real-world problem solving through hands-on, inquiry-based science learning. Her work is also strengthening classrooms across Burke County as she mentors teachers, models lessons, and leads professional learning opportunities district-wide.

This national recognition shines a light on the outstanding work happening every day in North Carolina public schools and the educators helping students build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that they will carry into the future.

Shoutout to Holly for the big win and the work she does to educate students in her school district!

Photo courtesy Burke County Public Schools.

Burke County Public Schools Discovery Education

Win of the Week 🌟 Wake County School Leader Recognized as NC Principal of the Year

This week, we celebrate our state's top principal and the outstanding finalists for the Principal of the Year award from across North Carolina.

Congratulations to Dr. Mariah Walker of Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Wake County Public School System, named the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.

Under Dr. Walker’s leadership, Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy has achieved a 100% graduation rate for four consecutive years while continuing to exceed academic growth expectations. Her work has focused on creating opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with families, and helping young women grow as confident leaders.

“My leadership is centered around this truth, ‘How you make room at your table determines whether your guest wants to eat,’” Walker shared. “At Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, we make room for every student by confronting inequity with courage, care and collective responsibility.”

We also celebrate the incredible regional finalists representing school districts across North Carolina:

📍 Kelly E. Flora, Dare County Schools
📍 Dr. Marlow Artis, Craven County Schools
📍 Dr. Latreicia Allen, Cumberland County Schools
📍 Dr. Darrell A. Harris, Jr., Guilford County Schools
📍 LaTresha Wilson, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
📍 Dustin Farmer, Ashe County Schools
📍 Jennifer McBrayer, Rutherford County Schools
📍 Deborah Brown, The Exploris School

In schools across our state, principals are creating environments where students are supported and challenged to succeed. Because of their exemplary school leadership, our students win!

Photo courtesy of Wake County Schools

Wake County Public School System

New Superintendent Vacancy for Thomasville City Schools Announced

Applications are due by June 10, 2026

Apply here: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/3096/opening/169259

Win of the Week 📝 District's "Signing Day" Celebrates First Cohort of Teacher Cadets

A group of soon-to-be high school graduates celebrated their commitment to the field of education this week during a "signing day" celebration at Pasquotank County High School.

Through the Teacher Cadet program in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, four students who have committed to the pursuit of an education degree commemorated their upcoming studies at some of the best in-state colleges and universities.

"With their experiences in the ECPPS Teacher Cadet program, these students are headed toward a very bright future in teaching! This signing day event emphasizes the importance of all seniors who have committed to fulfilling their individual goals and future aspirations. We are ECPPS Proud!" said ECPPS School Board Member Sharon Warden (pictured in the first slide, on the right side).

Congratulations to these students for the win as this year's graduating class and a win for the future of education!

Photos courtesy Sharon Warden and ECPPS.

ECPPS

Win of the Week 🍎 Onslow County Educator Wins North Carolina Teacher of the Year Award

Congratulations to Cason Justice, history teacher at Swansboro High School in Onslow County Schools, who was named the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Justice brings history to life through hands-on learning and a deep belief in his students. As he shared: “History gives them the tools they need to investigate the world around them… I often tell my kids, ‘Be pilots, not passengers.’”

We also recognize the outstanding regional Teachers of the Year who represent excellence in classrooms across our state:
📍 Northeast: Heather Dail, Perquimans County Schools
📍 North Central: Shannon Campbell, Wilson County Schools
📍 Sandhills: Manzell Spencer, Jr., Cumberland County Schools
📍 Piedmont-Triad: Jonathan Lancho Villa, Surry County Schools
📍 Southwest: Melissa Hollar Culp, Lincoln County Schools
📍 Northwest: Gina Holste, Watauga County Schools
📍 Western: Nishelle Henson, Macon County Schools
📍 Charter: Stephanie Lane, Lake Norman Charter

North Carolina teachers are preparing students for what comes next and reminding us that public education is built on relationships, high expectations, and belief in every child. Our public schools are home to educators who inspire, challenge, and believe in every student, and this week we celebrate a win for one of the very best!

Photo courtesy of NC DPI

Onslow County Schools Onslow County Government

New Superintendent Vacancy for Cleveland County Schools Announced

Applications are due by June 8, 2026

Apply here: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/3096/opening/165632

Win of the Week 🏆 National Principal of the Year Honors go to Orange County's Jason Johnson

Another accolade goes to Orange High School principal Jason Johnson who was named the National High School Principal of the Year on April 17 in Washington, D.C.

Johnson, the winner of the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the year, was awarded by the National Association of Secondary School Principals during the National Education Leadership Awards.

“Representing North Carolina’s public schools on a national stage is an honor, and wouldn’t be possible without the students, staff and community that I work alongside every day,” Johnson said. “This award validates the work we are doing across the state of North Carolina, and it affirms the direction set by the North Carolina State Board of Education and Superintendent Mo Green.”

The 28-year veteran of public education reflected on how his career prepared him for this success, noting “my experiences at Central Office and the other jobs that I had over the years helped me realize my passion for building leadership capacity in others. … My heart and soul is building teacher leaders and a collaborative culture at my school.”

With administrators like Jason Johnson leading our local schools, we can count on more wins for North Carolina's public school students!

Photo courtesy Orange County Schools

Orange County Schools, NC National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

Win of the Week ⭐ North Carolina Schools Show Dedication, Increase Support to Students in Military Families

Each April, schools nationwide recognize “Month of the Military Child” and the unique support that these students and their families need as they navigate life as military service members.

In North Carolina, many schools in our state are recognized through the Purple Star Award Designation initiative, reflecting the state’s strong military presence and its support for military families. The designation is bestowed upon schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

This year, 598 schools are expected to become 2025-26 Purple Star Award recipients. The tally includes 143 more schools than last year and about 46% more schools than from the inception of the awards in 2019, according to NC DPI. We appreciate the military families and their dedication to service, as well as the school districts who help them win!

NC Public Schools Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission - MIC3