Craven County Schools Announces Teacher of the Year (2025-2026)

For more than 50 years our nation has honored teachers with the National Teacher of the Year Program.
In 2014, the NC Department of Public Instruction announced their partnership with Burroughs Welcome Fund as the new major sponsor of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program. Since 1970, North Carolina has participated in this program recognizing outstanding teachers. Craven County Schools has participated in the Teacher of the Year Program for many years and is proud to recognize one of the many outstanding educators in the district as our 2025-2026 Teacher Ambassador/ Teacher of the Year.

Being selected as the Teacher Ambassador/ Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors the district
bestows on an educator. Our teachers have stepped up to demonstrate their love and commitment in new
ways. It is more important than even to recognize our teachers for their hard work. This year’s finalists
included a talented and dedicated group of educators from across Craven County. The passion for
teaching and learning was evident in the portfolios, presentations and interviews. This year’s finalists
are: 
 Rachel Avery:  4th ELA Teacher - Bridgeton Elementary School
 Vashawn Daniels:  8th Grade ELA / Social Studies Teacher - West Craven Middle School
 Lauren Dugan: Exceptional Children's Teacher - Graham A. Barden Elementary School
 Margaret Jackson: 7th Grade ELA Teacher - Grover C. Fields Middle School 
 Kimberly Rispress- Honors Biology Teacher - Craven Early College High School

Margaret Jackson, a 7th grade ELA teacher at Grover C. Fields Middle School has been selected as the 2025-2026 Teacher Ambassador for Craven County Schools. As a middle grades teacher, Ms. Jackson exemplifies excellence in education through her innovative teaching practices, strong student relationships, and commitment to academic success. A proud graduate of East Carolina University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and multiple certifications, including Elementary Education (K–6), English Language Arts (6–9), Developmental Reading (K–12), and Gifted Education (K–12). Throughout her career, she has led
curriculum development initiatives, mentored new teachers, served on leadership and school improvement teams, and championed student engagement through AVID and reading programs. Ms. Jackson teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive, respectful, and growth-focused classroom environment where students feel empowered to succeed. She is passionate about building a culture of resilience, goal-setting, and continuous improvement, believing that every student can thrive with the right support and encouragement. As a teacher, mentor, and advocate for education, Maggie remains steadfast in her mission to inspire tomorrow's leaders and promote the transformative power of learning.

As the Craven County Schools Teacher Ambassador, Ms. Jackson will serve as the local advisor to the Board of Education and will represent Craven County Schools at  various community and civic events. Ms. Jackson will now move on to compete against other local award recipients for the Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year title. Ms. Jackson was chosen following an application, a presentation and interview process with the local selection committee, consisting of the current Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year (TOY), the Craven County Schools Principal of the Year (POY), central office staff, and a community leader from Craven Community College.

Congratulations to Ms. Margaret Jackson, the 2025-2026 Craven County Schools’ Teacher Ambassador/
Teacher of the Year. She will proudly be seen around town driving her new Toyota Camry donated by
Toyota of New Bern and coordinated by Craven County Partners In Education.

Congratulations to all our finalists for what they do each day for the students and families in Craven
County. The work of these teachers is transforming today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders.