Cabarrus County Schools teacher named NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year.

I had the pleasure of working with the NCCAT a few weeks ago for their annual awards banquet and ceremony.  UNCG referred them to my studio and I was able to assist in photographing the important event.  The finalists came from all over North Carolina to celebrate one another and the important role teachers have on our young people.

What is NCCAT ?

SUPPORTING TEACHERS AND IMPACTING STUDENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

"Increasing teacher effectiveness is fundamental to improving public education. NCCAT provides teachers with knowledge, skills, teaching methods, best practices and information to take back to their classrooms.  In 1985, the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) was established to aid in fostering the continual intellectual and professional development of North Carolina teachers."
- https://www.nccat.org/

The award portion of the evening was held at the Elliott University Center Auditorium on the campus of UNC Greensboro. Prior to the recognition event finalists attended a week of professional development at the Truist Leadership Institute.  A variety of VIP's spoke at the beginning of the event and then recognized all the finalists and their accomplishments.

The 2025 winner : 

"The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) proudly announces Summer Espinosa, a kindergarten teacher at W.R. Odell Primary School in Cabarrus County Schools, as the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the Elliott University Center Auditorium on the campus of UNC Greensboro. Prior to the recognition event finalists attended a week of professional development at the Truist Leadership Institute.

In its sixth year, this prestigious award aims to honor promising new leaders in North Carolina’s public and charter schools. This initiative recognizes the potential of beginning teachers, providing them with essential support and resources.

Ms. Espinosa’s kindergarten classroom is filled with energy, learning and community. A colleague shared about her: “Kindergarten has a huge impact on a child’s entire educational experience—and she is a bright light to North Carolina students.” 
- https://www.dpi.nc.gov/

Congratulations to this year's winner and we look forward to assisting NCCAT with their professional photography needs in future years.  Micciche Corporate Photography celebrates 21 years in business and continues to be the premier photo studio here in the Triad region of North Carolina.  We are available for travel on a national level for our special event clients and corporate brands.

Click the link below to learn more about our studio and see our work.