Shown Above: Tamika Farmer, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at G.W. Carver Elementary School, poses with her students.
Beckie Spears
2025 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year
Principal, Wilkesboro Elementary School
“In the new year, I resolve to stay grounded in connection, purpose and joy — seeing one another, celebrating small wins and keeping students at the center. I will lead with kindness, nurture belonging and choose hope daily. I will tell our stories boldly, with more love and less fear. So much good happens here that gets lost in the noise. This year, with my heart open and my eyes lifted, I’ll share our stories and needs honestly, broadly and confidently. Our public school deserves to be seen and valued, and our community deserves to know how brightly we shine together.”
Chanel Jones
2025 Burrough's Wellcome Fund Piedmont-Triad Region Teacher of the Year
Sxith Grade Social Studies and Science Teacher, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)
“My 2026 New Year’s resolution is to keep loving kids loudly, leading boldly and drinking enough water to convince my doctor I finally listened. I want to keep expanding Fresh Start and Cozy Kitchen, build more community partnerships and create learning moments so good my students forget to ask, ‘Is this graded?’ I’m choosing joy, gentleness and good boundaries… and I’m also promising myself to sit down somewhere when I’m tired instead of pretending I’m a superhero. Here’s to purpose, laughter and walking through every door God swings open for me.”
Christy Propst
2025 Wells Fargo Southeast Region Principal of the Year
Principal, Morehead City Elementary School (Carteret County Public Schools)
“My New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to strengthen academic success by building on our strong cultural foundation and trusting in our community bonds. I believe our students and staff are capable of great things when given the opportunity, support and tools to meet the challenges ahead. Together, we will continue to rise, grow and thrive.”
Jason Johnson
2025 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year
Principal, Orange High School (Orange County Schools)
“At Orange High School, my goal is to keep our school moving in a positive direction. We have earned a B rating for the last two years and have exceeded growth for the last two years. I want to continue building on this success and supporting our scholars and athletes at the highest level. I also want to keep advocating for public education and remain aligned with the State’s Strategic Plan to make North Carolina the best in the nation. I plan to continue spending time in the Western and Northeastern regions of the state to advocate for rural schools and the communities they serve. Finally, I want to continue telling my story as a way to lead with humanity and authenticity. I hope that by sharing my journey, others will gain strength, guidance and courage. Most importantly, I want every student and every educator to feel a true sense of belonging. I have learned for myself that I belong, and I want others to feel the same assurance in every space they enter.”
Jessica Anthony
2025 Wells Fargo Northwest Region Principal of the Year
Principal, Davenport A+ Elementary School (Caldwell County Schools)
“My New Year's resolution for 2026 is to be fully present where my feet are. A good friend gave me this advice. I want to be a good steward of the time and opportunities that I have been given. When I am at home with my beautiful family, I want to be fully there. When I am at school with my incredible teachers and students, I want to be fully there. The people in my life have shaped me and continue to do so, and they deserve the BEST of me when I am with them.”
John Lassiter
2023 & 2025 Wells Fargo Northeast Region Principal of the Year
Principal, Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
“In 2026, my resolution is to open Perquimans County Intermediate School as a prestigious, community-focused public school that others look to for innovation, collaboration and support. I will work to unite public schools in northeastern North Carolina, leveraging one another’s expertise, and restoring the pride that comes with educating ALL students, regardless of status or aptitude. I want traditional public schools to be families’ first choice and for North Carolina to reach a point where equity is a lived reality in rural spaces and a child’s zip code never limits their future.”
Karly Wells
2025 Wells Fargo Western Region Principal of the Year
Elementary Supervisor, Haywood County Schools
“My 2026 New Year's resolution is to focus on the work that truly moves our schools forward. It is easy for leaders to get tangled in the urgent instead of the important. Rather than allowing my calendar to be activity-driven, I want my calendar to be mission-driven. By prioritizing my missions and goals, I hope to have fewer mental detours to things that do not truly advance learning for our students.”
Lydia Lunday
2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Western Region Teacher of the Year
First Grade Teacher, Swain West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)
“In 2026, I resolve to help students define their own success and to celebrate the strength of our public schools that make that possible. Whether a child is learning to read at six or discovering their path at eighteen, I want to highlight the growth, confidence and curiosity that public education nurtures every day. Success is not one standard, it’s the skills, passions and small victories that shape who students become. My goal is to uplift their stories and shine a light on the incredible work happening in classrooms across our state, where every student’s success is worth celebrating.”
Tamika Farmer
2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Central Region Teacher of the Year
Fourth Grade Math and Science Teacher, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)
“In 2026, my New Year's resolution is to continue growing as an educator who empowers students to discover their strengths and advocate for themselves. I hope to deepen my instructional practice, strengthen family and community partnerships and create even more inclusive, engaging learning experiences. I aim to use my platform to elevate teacher voice, promote equity and support policies that lead to positive, sustainable change in our schools. Above all, my goal is to help shape a future where every child feels valued, inspired and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”