Recognizing the potential of promising educators, the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) has awarded Summer Espinosa, a kindergarten teacher from W.R. Odell Primary School, the prestigious NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year honor. The award ceremony took place at UNC Greensboro’s Elliott University Center Auditorium, following a week-long professional development session at the Truist Leadership Institute attended by the finalists.
This award, now in its sixth year, serves to spotlight emerging leaders within North Carolina’s public and charter school systems, providing them with essential resources and support to foster their teaching careers.
Ms. Espinosa has been praised for her vibrant and engaging kindergarten classroom. A colleague remarked, “Kindergarten has a huge impact on a child’s entire educational experience—and she is a bright light to North Carolina students.”
NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble stated, “At NCCAT, we believe that supporting and celebrating beginning teachers is essential to the future of education in North Carolina. The NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators who bring passion, innovation and excellence to their classrooms, making a positive impact on their students and communities. This year’s winner, Ms. Espinosa and all the finalists, exemplify the dedication and creativity that defines outstanding teaching.”
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund stands as the Signature Sponsor for the event. Alfred Mays, Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Program Officer, noted, “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.”
Among the finalists, Pieter Westerbeek from Knightdale High School in Wake County Public School System was recognized as the runner-up for the award.
Awards and Recognition
The NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year receives:
- $5,000 cash prize
- Participation in a GoGlobal NC professional development trip in 2026
- Instructional supply funds for their school
All finalists are provided with travel and substitute costs to attend the NCCAT professional development week.
Sponsors
NCCAT acknowledges the contributions of its sponsors:
Signature Sponsor: Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Teacher Stipend Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]
Silver Sponsors:
- Bojangles
- Dr. and Mrs. Jim and June Causby
Bronze Sponsors:
- Aetna
- Appalachian State University Reich College of Education
- Diamonds Direct
- Elizabeth City State University Department of Education
- Great Minds
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Lexia Learning
- North Carolina State University College of Education
- Schwartz Law, PLLC
- Western Carolina University College of Education and Allied Professions
- 95% Group
Patron Sponsors:
- Builder Services, Inc.
- Campbell Shatley, PLLC
- East Carolina University College of Education
- Pierce Group Benefits
- UNC-Asheville
- UNC-Charlotte CATO College of Education
- Wake Forest University Department of Education
The Truist Leadership Institute facilitated accommodations for the professional development week.
Special thanks are extended to the Beginning Teacher of the Year Steering Committee, the Development Foundation of NCCAT, Inc. Board of Directors, and the NCCAT Board of Trustees.
About NCCAT
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) is dedicated to enhancing teacher effectiveness and strengthening public education across the state through professional development programs. The center equips educators with innovative teaching methods and resources, benefiting both teachers and students. For more information, visit www.nccat.org or call 828-293-5202.
About Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is a private foundation committed to advancing biomedical sciences and supporting future scientific researchers and educators. Over the past 25 years, BWF has invested over $100 million in STEM education initiatives. The foundation offers funding, opportunities for interaction, and engagement with the broader educational community, emphasizing the pivotal role education plays in future scientific discoveries and addressing complex global challenges.
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