Molly Todd, a special education teacher at Panther Creek High School in Wake County Public Schools, is the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, according to a press release from the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT).
Todd received the award during an event on Thursday at Wake Forest University. As the winner, Todd will receive a $5,000 cash prize, the opportunity to join a GoGlobal NC professional development trip next year, and instructional supply funds for her school.
“Molly Todd proves that being a public school educator is not just a job — it is a calling,” said State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “All of this year’s finalists deserve to be celebrated, respected and revered for the incredible difference they make in the lives of their students, colleagues and communities.”
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The award’s 27 finalists spent the week leading up to the event attending professional development events at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro.
“The NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators who bring passion, innovation, and excellence to their classrooms, making a positive impact on their students and communities,” said NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble. “This year’s winner, Molly Todd, and all the finalists, exemplify the dedication and creativity that defines outstanding teaching.”
According to the press release, Todd builds partnerships with educators and students across Panther Creek’s campus to ensure her students learn alongside their peers. She has been described as a “trailblazer in special education” who “empowers her students to lead fulfilling lives,” the release said.
A colleague quoted in the press release said, “Ms. Todd is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion.”
Her classroom environment makes students feel supported and encouraged, the release said, allowing them to “discover that they are capable of more than they imagined.”
On Thursday, Todd thanked all the finalists for all she learned with them through the program. She also thanked her students.
“The students are the reason we’re here,” she said. “I want to thank them (my students), for letting me grow with them … and letting me support them.”
Sophia Foster, a teacher from Pender County Schools, was this year’s runner-up. She will receive a $2,000 cash prize.
The 2026 NCCAT North Carolina Beginning Teachers of the Year finalists were:
- Anna Sophia Steinki | Alamance-Burlington Schools
- Lindsay Annis | Beaufort County Schools
- Sarah Hersee | Brevard Academy
- Kennedy Elmore | Cabarrus County Schools
- Georgia Juhnke | Caldwell County Schools
- Zoe Couloumbis | Capitol Encore Academy
- Amanda “Mandy” | Rundgren, Carolina Charter Academy
- Emma Poovey | Catawba County Schools
- Arjge Brothers | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Morgan Dudley | Cherokee County Schools
- Amber Autry | Cumberland County Schools
- Lydia Surprenant | Currituck County Schools
- Kaitlyn Fletcher | Davie County Schools
- Lena Dallas | Haywood County Schools
- Sarah Schwartz | Henderson County Public Schools
- Marquitta Lassiter | Hertford County Schools
- Lily Hartsell | Lenoir County Public Schools
- Caroline Beam | Lincoln County Schools
- Erica Puente | Nash County Public Schools
- Allison Hancock | New Hanover County Schools
- Rebeckah Goras | Orange County Schools
- Sophia Foster | Pender County Schools
- Ashley Hutchins | Randolph County Schools
- Rhyane Jacobs | Public Schools of Robeson County
- Molly Todd | Wake County Schools
- Hester Claire Linville | Watauga County Schools
- Ellie McPherson | Whiteville City Schools
The Beginning Teacher of the Year program is in its seventh year, according to the press release.
NCCAT’s website says the award process was “developed to recognize the unique challenges and achievements new teachers experience during their first year in the classroom. Supporting and encouraging new teachers is paramount to developing the caring, strong professionals we all want instructing our North Carolina students.”
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