Wayne County Educator Named Finalist for North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year
Christopher Hicks of Wayne County Public Schools is among 24 finalists for the 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year Award.
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A Wayne County educator has been named a finalist for the 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award. Christopher Hicks, representing Wayne County Public Schools, is one of 24 educators statewide to receive this recognition.
The selection was made by 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). The award aims to honor outstanding CTE teachers who demonstrate leadership and innovation while preparing students for success.
State Superintendent Maurice ‘Mo’ Green highlighted the significant contributions of CTE teachers across North Carolina, noting that public school students earned a record 382,964 CTE credentials in the past year. Green emphasized that such achievements are a direct result of the dedication of CTE teachers in preparing students for future endeavors.
Hicks joins a group of distinguished educators chosen for their commitment to developing students’ technical, leadership, and workforce skills. These finalists will participate in a week of professional development hosted by NCCAT from October 26-30, 2026. The announcement of the statewide winner is scheduled for October 29 during a ceremony at the Embassy Suites in Concord.
The top award recipient will receive a $5,000 cash prize, instructional supply funds for their school, and a three-year membership in NCACTE, along with the opportunity to represent North Carolina at the national ACTE Conference. The runner-up will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a three-year NCACTE membership. All finalists, including Hicks, will have their travel and substitute costs covered for the professional development week and will receive a one-year NCACTE membership.
NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble expressed pride in recognizing educators who make a significant impact on students and communities throughout North Carolina. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund sponsors the award, supporting educational initiatives and workforce development programs across the state.
