Craven County Schools Nominee Named for NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year

New Bern, NC — Craven County Schools is proud to announce that Hope Mauney, a Career & Technical Education teacher at West Craven Middle School, has been named a nominee for the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award.

This nomination places Mrs. Mauney among an outstanding group of educators from across North Carolina, each recognized for their innovation, passion, and impact on student success.

CTE Director, Holly Tolston, shares, “Hope Mauney exemplifies the very best of Career & Technical Education in Craven County Schools. Her innovative approach to teaching and her commitment to preparing students with real-world skills truly set her apart. This nomination is a reflection of the meaningful impact she makes in the classroom every day, inspiring students to explore their passions and build pathways for future success.”

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE), developed the CTE Teacher of the Year award to honor remarkable CTE educators and emphasize the importance of CTE instruction in North Carolina schools. 

From the statewide district and charter school nominees, 24 educators, three from each of North Carolina's eight regions, will be selected as regional finalists through a rigorous portfolio review process. The 24 finalists will attend a week of leadership-focused professional development and attend a recognition event to honor them and announce the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Mauney for this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication to student achievement and her passion for Career & Technical Education embody the excellence we strive for across Craven County Schools. Honors like this reinforce why Craven County Schools is THE CHOICE—where innovative teaching, strong leadership, and a commitment to student success come together to create exceptional opportunities for every learner,” states Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent.

About the NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year Process

• Nomination: Each school district and charter school in North Carolina may nominate one outstanding CTE teacher.
• Regional Finalists: Regional Education Service Alliances will determine 24 finalists from the nominees.
• Finalist Celebration: Finalists will engage in a professional development week at a location and date to be announced.
• Award Announcement: The overall winner will be recognized at a statewide celebration on Thursday of the week of professional development. Additional details are forthcoming.

Awards & Recognition

• Winner: $5,000 cash prize, attendance at national and state ACTE conferences, instructional supply funds for the teacher’s school, and a three-year membership in NCACTE.
• Runner-up: $2,000 cash prize and a three-year membership in NCACTE.
• All Finalists: Travel expenses, substitute cost coverage for the professional development week, and a one-year NCACTE membership.

About NCCAT

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) supports teachers and impacts students through exemplary professional development programs. By increasing teacher effectiveness, NCCAT strengthens public education across the state. NCCAT equips educators with innovative teaching methods, best practices, and resources to take back to their classrooms. To learn more about NCCAT’s programs, visit www.nccat.org or call 828-293-5202.

About Burroughs Wellcome Fund 

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is a private foundation dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences and supporting the next generation of scientific researchers and educators. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in science, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund has made a significant investment in the realm of STEM education. In the past 25 years, BWF has invested more than $100 million to support initiatives and networks in STEM education. In addition to funding, BWF provides opportunities for interactions with colleagues and engagement with the broader community of educators and grant recipients across other BWF education programs. BWF’s focus on support of education highlights the belief in the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of scientific discovery and addressing complex global challenges.