A social studies teacher at Swansboro High School (Onslow County Schools), Cason Justice 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.
Cason Justice uses two unexpected elements to make World History and AP European History relevant for students: dirt and dodgeballs.
In a lesson on archeology, students dig into the past by examining boxes filled with artifacts and dirt, then use those clues to create theories about the societies from which they originated.
Later in the year, they participate in a dodgeball game based on World War I, with students choosing to be soldiers, medics or home front supporters. Then, students write personal accounts of what happened and compare them – learning how to evaluate primary sources.
These activities embody Justice’s teaching philosophy: that history comes alive for kids when they get to do it. He didn’t love his own World History experience in high school – there was a lot of textbook reading and notetaking – so he intentionally designs lessons that engage and excite students.
“I want to move them from memorizing to investigating, from being passive receivers of information to active participants who create, analyze and write like historians,” he said. “I want to change how they see history and how they see themselves as learners. As soon as they enter my room, I want them to think, ‘I can do this today.’”
Outside of his classroom, Justice supports his school as a member of the strategic planning team, a member of the Teacher Leadership Council and the advisor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Involved in FCA since he began his teaching career at Swansboro High in 2012, he has seen participation grow from 15 students at weekly meetings to more than 250. The group now hosts a variety of worship nights, faith-based sports events and community service projects.
“His leadership in FCA exemplifies his dedication to nurture not only the minds but also the hearts and spirits of young people, providing them with a safe and welcoming space to grow in character and community,” said Principal Helen Gross, in a recommendation letter for Justice’s Teacher of the Year application. “Mr. Justice embodies the absolute best of what it means to be an educator. He is deeply respected by his colleagues, cherished by his students and admired by our community. His humility, compassion and integrity make him not only an outstanding teacher but also a role model for all who know him.”
One of the ways he models good citizenship for students is by educating them about civic engagement. With the help of students in Swansboro’s Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Justice organized a schoolwide mock election with a ballot that mirrored the 2024 ballots adults in their community received.
To facilitate such a large-scale project, Justice created professional development materials for his colleagues on voting and the democratic process.
After students learned about elections from their teachers, they were encouraged to create grassroots campaigns for candidates of their choosing, interview local school board candidates and host robust discussions on proposed county policies.
Justice guided his Rho Kappa and civics students through the process of setting up a voter registration drive. They were able to not only register their peers who would be eligible to vote in the 2024 election, but also set up shop in downtown Swansboro the Saturday before Election Day.
“Watching students step forward to engage with adults and peers, explain procedures and guide people through the process was an awesome experience I plan to replicate many times in the future,” Justice said. “They did more than just learn about democracy; they participated in it directly with their boots on the ground.”
Dr. Christopher Barnes, superintendent of Onslow County Schools, said Justice’s spirit of innovation makes him popular among students and colleagues alike.
“Cason Justice embodies the qualities of an exceptional public school educator — compassion, integrity, vision and a relentless commitment to student success,” Barnes wrote in a recommendation letter.