11-04-2025
Pitt County educator earns top honor as N.C. Teacher of the Year
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Rachel Candaso, a dedicated educator at Wellcome Middle School, was named the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.
This selection marks the first time in the program's 55-year history that a teacher from Pitt County Schools has received this prestigious honor. Candaso was chosen from a field of nine finalists that represented the state's eight education districts and charter schools.
'I'm immensely grateful for the journey God has led me on,' Candaso said. 'As a Pitt County Schools educator, I have found not just a career but a calling. Teaching is my gift, it is the way I serve, it is the way I love, and it is the way I lead. This honor is a reminder that when we lean into the gifts God has given us, no matter where we come from, we can make a difference exactly where we are planted.
Candaso was recognized for her exceptional leadership, innovative teaching practices, and unwavering commitment to educational equity. She has also worked tirelessly to close opportunity gaps and prepare students for college and success in their careers.
'This recognition is not just about me – it's about the incredible students, families, colleagues, and community members who inspire me every day,' Candaso said. 'Together, we are proving that all students can succeed when given the tools and support they need.'
Now that Candaso is North Carolina Teacher of the Year, she will serve as an ambassador for public education, getting to travel across the state to advocate for teachers and students.
She will also get to join the State Board of Education as an advisor for two years and participate in national professional development opportunities.
'Ms. Candaso's recognition as North Carolina Teacher of the Year is a testament to her hard work, passion, and belief in her students' potential,' PCS Superintendent Dr. Steve M. Lassiter Jr. said. 'She has made history for our district and set a shining example for educators everywhere.'
For more information about the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program, visit the NC Department of Public Instruction website or follow #NCTOY on social media.
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