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WHAT: The 2026 Burroughs Wellcome NC Teacher of the Year will be announced during a luncheon honoring nine regional finalists from across the state.
WHEN: Friday, April 24, 2026
Livestream begins at noon, and the ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. Members of the media who desire to attend in person should arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. to set up. The announcement is expected between 1:15 and 1:45 p.m.
WHERE: In person or via livestream
The Umstead Hotel, 100 Woodland Pond Dr., Cary, NC
Livestreamed on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s YouTube channel.
CONTACT: Media interested in covering the event in person should RSVP via email to communications@dpi.nc.gov.
BACKGROUND: Since 1970, the North Carolina Teacher of the Year program has promoted the teaching profession through advocacy and support while recognizing teacher leaders who are implementing best practices in classrooms across North Carolina.
The recipient will be eligible to participate in a seminar at the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), receive a mobile device from Lenovo, an engraved award, financial support to serve as a liaison for North Carolina Public Schools, a trip to the National Teacher of the Year Conference and International Space Camp, a gift from Carolina Hunger Initiative, and a prize package and recognition during an NC State Athletics football game. Additionally, they will have the chance to attend the International Society for Technology in Education conference with support from the Digital Learning Initiative, receive a monetary award from Bojangles, and travel abroad through an endowment sponsored by Global NC.
The 2026 Burroughs Wellcome North Carolina Teacher of the Year regional finalists are:
- Northeast: Heather Dail, Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
- Southeast: Cason Justice, Swansboro High School (Onslow County Schools)
- North Central: Shannon Campbell, Wilson Early College Academy (Wilson County Schools)
- Sandhills: Manzell Spencer, Jr., Douglas Byrd Middle School (Cumberland County Schools)
- Piedmont-Triad: Jonathan Lancho Villa, Pilot Mountain Elementary School (Surry County Schools)
- Southwest: Melissa Hollar Culp, St. James Elementary Schools (Lincoln County Schools)
- Northwest: Gina Holste, Valle Crucis School (Watauga County Schools)
- Western: Nishelle Henson, Macon Middle School (Macon County Schools)
- Charter: Stephanie Lane, Lake Norman Charter School
For more information on North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year recognition program, visit the program’s website or contact the NCDPI Communications Office, communications@dpi.nc.gov.
LIVESTREAM INFO: The video feed will highlight sponsors and regional finalists until the ceremony begins, when a livestream of the ceremony will play. A livestream video feed will be available on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s YouTube channel.
NCDPI will also provide a streaming feed for media distribution.
Link: https://c.streamhoster.com/embed/media/WasBNF/OvNXB9yFsYF/vjv4ZRsAUFa_5?preview=1
Embed code: Email corrie.byrd@dpi.nc.gov for an embed code that can be used on your website.
NCDPI will also utilize TVU for distribution for those networks that have such capability. The feed will be keyed. Any technical questions can be directed to Greg Grissom at PBS North Carolina at 919-549-7249 or 919-801-1206.
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