Each month, we celebrate two outstanding educators who exemplify dedication, growth, and impact in our schools:
Beginning Teacher of the Month: Honoring a new educator who demonstrates exceptional promise, creativity, and commitment to student success.
Mentor of the Month: Celebrating a mentor who goes above and beyond to support, guide, and inspire beginning teachers.
These recognitions highlight the power of mentorship and the incredible contributions of our newest educators.
📝 Nominate a Colleague
Do you know a beginning teacher or mentor who deserves to be recognized? We invite you to submit a nomination!
How to Nominate:
Click the nomination button below.
Fill out the short form with your nominee’s name, school, and a brief description of why they deserve to be honored.
Submit your nomination each month.
Let’s celebrate the educators who make a difference every day!
Do you know an amazing beginning teacher, mentor, or school administrator? Does he or she go above and beyond, doing something that deserves recognition? Tell us about it here and your shoutout may be featured!
Click here to nominate an amazing teacher.
Beginning Teacher Shoutouts
Berewick Elementary
You've been more than a teacher. You've been a mentor. Thank you for your guidance and support this year; it made all the difference.
~ Berewick Elementary
Polo Ridge Elementary
Shout out to Ms. Kaval for her hard work, dedication, and growth this year. Your willingness to learn, to try new strategies, and to show up for your students every day does not go unnoticed! We appreciate you!
~ Sean Blatchford
Windsor Park Elementary
We are proud to recognize Azia Brown for her outstanding dedication and commitment to student success. Her innovative teaching strategies and unwavering support create an engaging and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued. Brown consistently goes above and beyond to foster academic growth and inspire a love of learning. Thank you for your hard work and the positive impact you make every day!
~ Haven Blanks
Allenbrook Elementary
She is constantly adjusting and filling positions that are so necessary in our school. At the same time, she is so supportive and caring and makes sure we maintain a positive environment.
~ Jade A. Gardner
Nations Ford Elementary
Shout out for taking leadership roles and excelling in teaching multiple age groups throughout her first 3 years.
~ Zarria Wallace
Mentor Shoutouts
Cochrane Collegiate Academy
Mrs. Williams is not only a great math teacher, but she is a great co-worker and mentor. She not only volunteered to be a mentor for one BT, but she has also taken a new international teacher from Jamaica under wing. But what is even more amazing is the fact that she picks up the international teacher each day and brings her to and from work with her. She does all of this while taking care of her husband full time who recently had a heart transplant. Mrs. Williams goes above the call of duty each day for her students as well as her co-workers and works hard to support her mentees. She is a shining star at Cochrane Collegiate Academy.
~ Veronica Hall
Polo Ridge Elementary
Shout out to Mrs. Barrett for the incredible work you’re doing with your students and for the thoughtful support you provide your mentee! We appreciate your hard work and your impact!
~ Sean Blatchford
Harper Middle College High
I would like to recognize Erik for being an amazing Math III teacher at Levine Middle College and an exceptional support to our Harper Middle College community. He graciously committed to serving as a mentor for our new Math III teacher and has consistently demonstrated patience, professionalism, and a true willingness to share ideas, instructional resources, and best practices.
Erik’s dedication to students goes far beyond his own classroom. He has even agreed to teach his mentee’s class virtually for three days to ensure continuity of learning during an absence. He is an incredible teammate and leader.
Thank you, Erik, for being a wonderful educator and an outstanding mentor. Your commitment and generosity make a meaningful difference for both students and colleagues.
~ Terra Kennedy
Thomasboro Academy
Shout Out to Mrs. Suire. Mrs. Suire has built a positive relationship with the new teachers in K-2. Mrs. Suire is the only veteran within this grade band. Mrs. Suire shares ideas and best instructional practices with not only her mentee but with other beginning teachers as well. Mrs. Suire is always willing to meet before and after school with her mentee and other beginning teachers to ensure not only are they successful but their students as well.
~ Doris Chisholm
Lansdowne Elementary
Ms. Horianopoulos is an advocate for her BT(Gabrielle Grant) . Her BT work in our SBS program and Ms. H is continuously giving her resources, encouragement and advocating for her to the administration when she sees need.
~ Celeste Bailey
School Leader Shoutouts
Garinger High School
Dr. Ellis deserves recognition for her outstanding support of beginning teachers at Garinger High School. Her guidance goes beyond answering questions—she actively models best practices, share valuable resources, and creates a welcoming environment where we feel confident and supported. Through her mentorship, she helps foster collaboration and growth, ensuring that we continue to elevate in our new profession! I can send her an email when I am unsure of a task or a policy -- and the next thing I know, Dr. Ellis is knocking on my door with a smile saying she is here to help! Her dedication truly strengthens our school community and exemplifies what it means to lead with care and professionalism.
~ Jason Webb
Barnette Elementary
Mrs. Blanchard does an amazing job as the school's lead mentor contact. She is quick to provide effective coaching, support, and is always willing to go above and beyond to support others and their professional growth.
~ Scott Otolski
Whitewater Middle
Ms. Davenport does an exceptional job leading and supporting our Beginning Teachers and Mentors. She consistently ensures we have access to the trainings, supplies, and resources we need to be successful and grow at least 1% better every day. Her dedication, hard work, and willingness to step in and support in any way she can truly make a difference. We are grateful for her leadership, her encouragement, and the positive impact she has on our entire school community.
~ LaDeja Massey
Cochrane Collegiate Academy
Ms. Coles is an exceptional Assistant Principal who started the new year by leading, assisting, and supporting the staff—especially in Math and MTSS. She leads by example and maintains a great rapport with both staff and students. Thank you, Ms. Coles, for your dedication and leadership!
~ Sherrye Byers
Myers Park High School
Shout out for being a good support for teachers! Every campus deserves a Powell.
~ Lisa Rayburn
Huge congratulations to Sean Bryant, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District's Beginning Teacher of the Year! We're so proud of the incredible impact you're already making in the classroom. Way to shine, Sean! ✨
Let's celebrate our Crown Academy 2025