PENDER COUNTY, N.C. — Miranda Wells, a dedicated health science teacher at Pender County Schools, has been recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award. This prestigious nomination underscores her significant contributions to vocational education and her unwavering commitment to student success.
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) extended this honor to Wells, inviting her to the Summer Conference Keynote and Awards Gala on July 16, 2024, in Winston-Salem. This event, organized by NCCAT, celebrates exemplary educators who excel in career and technical education.
"We are thrilled that Miranda Wells has been named a finalist for this esteemed award," Pender County Schools Career Technical Education Director Dominique Bates said. "Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student achievement truly set her apart."
In addition to the gala, Wells will participate in NCCAT’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Program from September 30 to October 4, 2024, at NCCAT's Cullowhee campus. This program, which includes leadership sessions and best practices discussions, demonstrates NCCAT's commitment to transferring research into practical applications and providing educators with the latest teaching methodologies.
Wells, who also serves as the CTE department chair, HOSA advisor, and mentor to CTE teachers across the county, has been instrumental in fostering a robust educational environment. Her tireless efforts in preparing students for careers in health science have earned her widespread admiration. Notably, Wells was named Pender County Schools' 2024 CTE NCCAT Teacher of the Year.
For over three decades, NCCAT has been a cornerstone of teacher professional development, offering high-quality learning experiences at its campuses in Cullowhee and Ocracoke, as well as through online and regional options. By nurturing teacher expertise and facilitating the transfer of best practices into classrooms statewide, NCCAT aims to elevate student achievement across North Carolina.