The BTOY award is sponsored by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching and was developed to honor beginning teachers in NC public schools.

Pictured (left to right): Mr. Brent Poplin, MES Assistant Principal; Mr. Keith Lyall, Horace Mann; Mr. Junior Ayers, Horace Mann; Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Brandon Weaver, Beginning Teacher of the Year; and Mrs. Amanda Pruitt, MES Principal

We are so proud of Mr. Weaver and all of the 2025-2026 nominees:

Brandon Weaver - Mulberry Elementary School (winner)

Emily Sale - East Wilkes Middle School

Amanda Gravely - North Wilkesboro Elementary School

Anahi Rosales Nixon - C.B. Eller Elementary School

Jack Faullin - Central Wilkes Middle School

Kristopher Robinson - Ronda-Clingman Elementary School

Kendall Shumate - North Wilkes Middle School

Rebecca Bretzke - Mountain View Elementary School