Educator Recognition Programs
Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year
As of 2013, the NC Department of Public Instruction is proud to partner with the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to honor North Carolina teachers. The mission of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program is to promote the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing quality teaching professionals implementing best practices within classrooms across North Carolina.
Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year
The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Award was introduced in 1984 to recognize the role of the principal in establishing an environment conducive to the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence in North Carolina schools.
Milken Educator Awards
For 30 years, the Milken Educator Awards, an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, have rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards. Not an accolade for "lifetime achievement" or the proverbial gold watch at the exit door, the Milken Educator Awards targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. Milken National Educators Award
Teacher Leadership Council
The North Carolina Teacher Leadership Council was launched with an inaugural group of 30 public school teachers from across the state. Superintendent Catherine Truitt and Special Advisor for Teacher Engagement, Julie Pittman, announced the council in November 2021.
Since then, the council has grown to 142 members who are invited to participate based on their selection as a district teacher of the year, NCCAT beginning teacher of the year selection, or other teacher recognition program. The council meets monthly to discuss current policy issues and educational initiatives, and also engages teachers from within their regions and districts in important conversations about education, allowing teachers from across the state to be more connected with the work being done that affects the profession, their schools, classrooms, and students.
