Two College of Education Alumni Named NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund N.C. Beginning Teacher of the Year Award Finalists

February 12, 2026 - 04:04

Amber Autry and Georgia Juhnke, both 2024 graduates of the College of Education, have been selected as finalists for the 2026 North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Burroughs Wellcome Fund N.C. Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. This distinguished honor celebrates the exceptional dedication, innovative classroom practices, and inspirational impact of early-career educators across the state.

The award specifically acknowledges teachers who demonstrate a profound ability to motivate students and foster academic success. As finalists, Autry and Juhnke are recognized for having already distinguished themselves in their nascent careers, embodying the promise and skill that define North Carolina's educational future.

Selection for this award is a highly competitive process, highlighting educators who go above and beyond standard expectations. Their achievement reflects not only their personal commitment to excellence but also the strong foundational preparation provided by their alma mater's teacher education program. The recognition serves as a testament to their hard work and the positive influence they exert within their school communities. The winners of the award will be announced at a later date.