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Perquimans High School’s Michaelle Overman is North Carolina’s 2026 CTE Teacher of the Year

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Michaelle Overman, winner of the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award, was recognized as a finalist at a Perquimans County Schools Board of Education meeting. Courtesy of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Michaelle Overman, a health science teacher at Perquimans High School, is the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year, according to a press release from the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT). 

For the past four years, the release said the award has recognized CTE educators who demonstrate excellence in their profession. 

“At NCCAT, we are honored to celebrate and support the exceptional Career and Technical Education teachers who inspire and prepare the next generation of North Carolina’s workforce,” said Dr. M. Brock Womble, executive director of NCCAT. “The NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year Award highlights the dedication, innovation, and passion these educators bring to their classrooms every day.”

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Overman received the award at a Dec. 4 ceremony in Greensboro, the release said, which followed a week of professional development for finalists. 

“The week of professional development for finalists recognizes their impact and equips them with valuable resources to continue fostering student success across our state,” Womble said. 

According to the press release, Overman prepares her students for postsecondary education and the workforce by providing them with industry-recognized certifications and digital badges.

“She is dedicated to educating students and staff and serving our community,” said a student quoted in the press release.

She doubled the number of participants in Perquimans High School’s Health Occupations Student Association, supporting the group as an advisor on health awareness and community engagement, according to the release. 

“What makes Mrs. Overman truly special is her ability to challenge students while meeting them where they are,” said one member of Perquimans County Emergency Services in the press release. “Her courses are not easy — she pushes students beyond their comfort zones, encouraging them to reach their full potential in ways that are individualized and inspiring.” 

As CTE Teacher of the Year, Overman will receive a $5,000 cash prize, funds for Perquimans’ High School’s instructional supplies, and a three-year membership in the North Carolina Association for Career & Technical Education (NCACTE). Overman will also represent the state at the national Association for Career & Technical Education conference.

The runner-up for the award was Lacey Davis, who teaches family and consumer sciences at Clyde A. Erwin High School in Buncombe County Schools.

The list of other finalists for the award include:

  • Megan Colvard, Ashe County Schools
  • Sarah Lawrence, Bear Grass Charter School
  • Heather Rose, Carteret County Public Schools
  • Sarah Chandler, Caswell County Schools
  • Patty Berge, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
  • Tina White, Cleveland County Schools
  • John Owens, Cumberland County Schools
  • Darren Moore, Dare County Schools
  • Paige Walker, Hickory Public Schools
  • Olivia Atchley, Iredell-Statesville School District
  • Susan Perdue, Johnston County Public Schools
  • Gary Andersen, Kannapolis City Schools
  • Jessica Jones, Lenoir County Public Schools
  • Larry Pickens, Macon County Schools
  • Staci Shaw, McDowell County Schools
  • Mike Bartholomew, Nash County Public Schools
  • Trey Moore, New Hanover County Schools
  • Ashley Gilbert, Polk County Schools
  • Mark Walker, Randolph County Schools
  • Johnny Jessup, Sampson County Schools
  • Neil Smith, Scotland County Schools
  • Lauren Murphy, Surry County Schools

According to the press release, the runner-up receives $2,000 and a three-year membership in NCACTE. All the other finalists receive travel and substitute cost for NCCAT professional development and a one-year membership in NCACTE.