A STEM teacher at Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools), Heather Dail is one of nine finalists for the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony on April 24. Ahead of the event, we are sharing the finalists’ stories so the public can get to know these extraordinary individuals and learn about their contributions to North Carolina public schools.
Hertford Grammar School sits in a town of fewer than 2,000 people, but thanks to Heather Dail, its students are learning their potential has no bounds.
As a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher, Dail immerses her students in real-world learning and problem solving, from exploring gravity via virtual roller coaster rides to visiting a wind turbine farm to hearing how people in their community use STEM in their careers.
Dr. Tanya Turner, superintendent of Perquimans County Schools, said Dail’s vision and collaborative approach are setting students up for success.
“Mrs. Dail builds strong, authentic relationships with students, empowering them to become creative thinkers, collaborators and problem-solvers – skills that are in high demand in today's society,” she wrote in a recommendation letter for Dail’s Teacher of the Year application. “Her classroom is a space where curiosity is cultivated and students are encouraged to explore, take risks and grow.”
Dail teaches every student at Hertford Grammar for one hour each week, but her influence is deeply engrained in the school culture. Once a month, she leads Hour of STEM, a schoolwide event where every class completes a STEM challenge in the first hour of the day.
As co-leader of the school’s events committee, she works with other educators to incorporate elements of STEM into every school activity, such as tower-building at reading night and snowflake engineering at the winter dance.
To promote student leadership, she hosts an annual STEM Showcase to give fifth-graders an opportunity to present display boards about projects they've completed throughout the year.
She’s also leading the rigorous process to get Hertford Grammar recognized as a North Carolina STEM School of Distinction.
“At the heart of my philosophy is this: when we connect classrooms to the real world, support each other as professionals and lead with heart, we create schools where students and teachers grow together – and that's where the magic happens,” Dail said. “The student impact is clear: excitement in the halls, confidence in classrooms and a school community that embraces learning through creativity and problem-solving. This work is truly a team effort, and I'm proud to be part of a staff committed to growing our students through STEM. I am excited to help lead our school into a future where STEM is not just a subject – but a part of who we are.”
In addition to her STEM work, Dail is a member of the school improvement team and an advocate for the teaching profession. She mentors other educators, offering resources and advice from her seven years of teaching and lending a listening ear.
Dr. John Lassiter, principal of Hertford Grammar School, said she exemplifies what it means to be a teacher-leader.
“Heather is not only a remarkable teacher but also a collaborative colleague and a respected voice on our campus,” he wrote in a recommendation letter. “She models lifelong learning, professionalism and a deep belief in the potential of every child. Her innovative approach to teaching, commitment to student growth and unwavering enthusiasm for STEM education make her a powerful advocate for what's possible in public education.”