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Tyler D’Angelo, an agriculture teacher at CE Jordan High School in Durham Public Schools, was named the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year.
The ceremony took place at the John. W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University on Feb. 20, according to a press release.
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This is D’Angelo’s sixth year as an agricultural educator, primarily teaching agriscience and horticulture classes.
A current student said it was D’Angelo who inspired their decision to major in agroecology.
“Though my time in high school is coming to an end, I feel confident that Mr. D’Angelo will continue to strengthen our program and prepare the next generation of students,” the student said. “He has inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agroecology from North Carolina State University starting next fall.”
Students in D’Angelo’s classes have not only met but exceeded state benchmarks, earned industry-recognized credentials, and participated in work-based learning experiences.
“Mr. D’Angelo embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator: dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” noted a colleague of D’Angelo. “His impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future leaders of our community and the agriculture industry.”
This is the third year the award has been presented with finalists from across North Carolina present.
“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 runner-up for the CTE Teacher of the Year Award is Alisha Pierri, a culinary arts and hospitality teacher at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology in Brunswick County Schools.
Finalists for the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year Award include:
| Finalist | District |
| David Dixon | Beaufort County Schools |
| Alisha Pierri | Brunswick County Schools |
| Ashleigh Miller | Cabarrus County Schools |
| Travis Adkison | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools |
| Fred Mason (in memoriam) | Columbus County Schools |
| Misty Guthrie | Craven County Schools |
| Megan Frazier | Currituck County Schools |
| Cathy Berrier | Davidson County Schools |
| Tyler D’Angelo | Durham Public Schools |
| Brooke Clapp | Guilford County Schools |
| Terry Drum | Hickory City Schools |
| Tracy Skeens | Iredell-Statesville Schools |
| Melissa Haigler | Jackson County Public Schools |
| Ashley Holloman | Johnston County Public Schools |
| Nicole Extine | Madison County Schools |
| Stephanie Shaw | Mooresville Graded School District |
| Miranda Wells | Pender County Schools |
| Angie Byrne | Pitt County Schools |
| Phyllis King | Public Schools of Robeson County |
| Vernon Blackman | Sampson County Schools |
| Sarah Johnson | Surry County Schools |
| Toby Sorrell | Swain County Schools |
| Steven Ward | Watauga County Schools |
| Megan Gambill | Wilkes County Schools |
Nominations for the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award are now open. Here is more information about the process and award details.
