West Wake News

Summer Espinosa, a kindergarten teacher from Cabarrus County Schools, has been named the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award was presented to her during a ceremony at the Elliott University Center Auditorium at UNC Greensboro. Finalists for the award were provided with professional development at the Truist Leadership Institute prior to the event.

Now in its sixth year, this award recognizes promising new educators in North Carolina's public and charter schools. "At NCCAT, we believe that supporting and celebrating beginning teachers is essential to the future of education in North Carolina," stated Dr. M. Brock Womble, NCCAT Executive Director. He added that the award recognizes educators for their passion, innovation, and excellence in classrooms, impacting students and communities positively.

Alfred Mays from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund added, "We believe that great teaching transforms lives. This award is not only a celebration of excellent beginning teachers but also an investment in the future of education and the lasting impact across North Carolina."

The runner-up for the award is Pieter Westerbeek, a special education teacher in the Wake County Public School System. The finalists included teachers from various counties and charter schools across North Carolina.

Awards include a $5,000 cash prize for the winner and participation in a professional development trip in 2026. The runner-up receives a $2,000 cash prize, and all finalists have their travel and substitute costs covered for the professional development week.

NCCAT acknowledged the support from sponsors such as the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Empower, and Bojangles, among others. The organization provides programs to improve teacher effectiveness and public education quality in North Carolina. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is noted for its commitment to advancing STEM education, having invested over $100 million in the past 25 years.