Eight administrators from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the inaugural North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) Superintendent of the Year award. These exceptional leaders and their unwavering support for CTE play a critical role in both teacher innovation and student success.
"These eight finalists demonstrate the immense impact that strong administrators have on a district's CTE program and students," said John Kirkman, Executive Director for the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE). "NCACTE is excited for this opportunity to showcase these superintendents, who support the important work of CTE across the state."
NCACTE established this award to recognize educators who have helped to build student opportunities, strengthened partnerships, and made an extraordinary impact on their district's CTE program. The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) is honored to partner with NCACTE in celebrating this opportunity with each of the eight finalists and CTE educators in North Carolina.
"NCCAT is proud to work alongside NCACTE, NCDPI, and NCSSA to share the outstanding work that these educators have accomplished," said NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble. "Each finalist demonstrates strong leadership, innovation, and true dedication toward strengthening Career and Technical Education in our state."
The finalists will be honored at the 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year Recognition Event on October 29, at the Concord Convention Center in Concord, NC.
The winner will be announced at the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) Winter Conference this December. “Congratulations to the eight regional finalists for North Carolina’s inaugural CTE Superintendent of the Year award,” said NCSSA Executive Director Jack Hoke. “This honor recognizes leadership that opens doors for students, empowers educators, and brings schools and industry together to prepare young people for meaningful careers and bright futures.”
Meet the finalists:
Dr. Aaron Fleming, Alamance-Burlington Schools
Stephen Basnight, Dare County Schools
Brent Williams, Lenoir County Public Schools
Chad Calhoun, Mitchell County Schools
Dr. Jamie King, Sampson County Schools
Dr. Andrew Houlihan, Union County Public Schools
Dr. Robert Taylor, Wake County Public Schools
Dr. Leslie Alexander, Watauga County Schools
About NCCAT
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) supports teachers and impacts students through exemplary professional development programs. By increasing teacher effectiveness, NCCAT strengthens public education across the state. NCCAT equips educators with innovative teaching methods, best practices, and resources to take back to their classrooms. To learn more about NCCAT’s programs, visit www.nccat.org or call 828-293-5202.