Reich College of Education

North Carolina Teacher of the Year Event

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The Reich College of Education presents “An Evening with North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year” professional development opportunity. Current education majors, alumni, faculty, staff, and educators in the community are invited to attend. For disability accommodation, visit odr.appstate.edu.

About the Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year

Rachel Candaso is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, representing Pitt County Schools and the Northeast Region. She is a middle school educator and AVID site coordinator at Wellcome Middle School, where she leads schoolwide college and career readiness initiatives. Rachel earned her B.S. in Political Science and B.S. in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. As a Teach For America alum, she moved to North Carolina to increase access and opportunities for rural students. She serves as an advisor on the State Board of Education and as Chair of Governor Stein’s Teacher Advisory Committee, collaborating to bring educational excellence statewide. A Kenan Fellow alum, Rachel prioritizes building coalitions with all stakeholders to increase access to high-quality education that prepares students for their next phase of life.

Schedule of Events

Q&A with North Carolina's Teacher of the Year

A Q&A discussion with Rachel Candaso, focusing on what it means to be a Teacher of the Year and how one becomes a Teacher of the Year.

  • Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
  • Location: RCOE Room 124 C

An Evening with North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year

Rachel Candaso will share her presentation.  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for current educators, and professional development credits will be offered for current students. Light refreshments will be served afterward.

Sponsored By...

This professional development opportunity is sponsored by: