Reich College of Education

2023 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year

Donna is a proud product of North Carolina public schools.  She obtained a bachelor's degree in elementary education K-6 in 2004, followed by a master's degree in curriculum specialist K-12 in 2008, and add on in school administration in 2010 — all from Appalachian State University.

Throughout her twenty year career,  she has had the privilege of working with students and educators in various capacities. Beginning her journey as a classroom teacher in Mount Airy City Schools teaching third grade and as a fourth grade teacher in Surry County Schools.  In 2008,  she took on the role of Surry County Schools instructional coach, serving two elementary schools and contributing to the growth and development of teachers and students alike. In 2010, she embarked on an administrative career as an assistant principal, further deepening her commitment to educational leadership. The culmination of this journey came in 2015 when she as appointed as a principal, and has served in the principalship at Cedar Ridge Elementary since 2016.

Her  educational philosophy centers passionately on the belief that every child has the potential to thrive academically and personally when provided with the right support and opportunities. At Cedar Ridge Elementary, staff champions the holistic development of students, ensuring that they not only excel in academics but also cultivate essential life skills and leadership traits that will serve them well throughout their lives. Cedar Ridge Elementary was named the 2022 NCACSD Lighthouse School for innvoative practices in literacy and leadership. In 2023, Cedar Ridge Elementary significantly exceeded growth in accountability standards placing them in the top 5% of all K-12 schools in North Carolina. 

As an educator and school leader, she remains dedicated to the principles of excellence, equity, and empowerment in education, striving to create a positive and nurturing environment where students can truly flourish as we work each day to #bringthejoy to teaching and learning.

2024 NCCAT Empower North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year

Abigail (Abby) Bentley is the 2024 Empower North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year. She teaches high school biology and earth science at Pisgah High School in Canton, North Carolina.

Prior to teaching, Abby was a research scientist in the environmental toxicology field. She worked as a researcher at East Carolina University and Radford University before returning to school at Western Carolina University to receive her masters in comprehensive science education.

Upon completing her masters, Abby transitioned to working in public education with goals to expand authentic inquiry practices in the classroom to promote quality science education.

Beyond the classroom, Abby is a practiced beekeeper with the Haywood County Beekeepers Association and is a member of the 500 Women Scientist International Organization to promote women in STEM.

This two-day event is beneficial to those who are looking to be a teacher. Benefits include:

• Presentation from the key educational leaders; the 2023 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year, Donna Bledsoe; and the 2024 North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year, Abby Bentley.
• Engage in creative and fun activities.
• Interact with North Carolina leaders in education.
• Develop friendships with diverse high school students throughout the state.
• Meet current students and hear the stories of their journeys into education.
• Learn about the college admissions process, financial aid, campus life and academic support programs offered.
• Participate in innovative activities and enhance your communication skills.
• Engage with university teacher education students and faculty mentors.
• Learn more about the teaching profession through presentations and small group discussions.
• Receive ongoing mentoring, encouragement and support by current teacher education students after the program through digital engagement.

The purpose of the Future Teachers of North Carolina (FTNC) program is to encourage rising high school juniors and seniors to consider the teaching profession by providing a meaningful and challenging opportunity to learn more about the preparation, responsibilities, and experiences that come with pursuit of a career in teaching.