GREENVILLE, N.C. — Pitt County Schools is celebrating a historic achievement as Rachel Candaso, a dedicated educator at Wellcome Middle School, has been named the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.
The selection, which was announced during an awards luncheon Friday at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, marks the first time in the program’s 55-year history that a teacher from PCS has received this prestigious honor. She was chosen from a field of nine finalists representing the state’s eight education districts and charter schools.
Candaso, who is in her fifth year in the district and currently serves as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher and site coordinator at WMS, was recognized for her exceptional leadership, innovative teaching practices, and unwavering commitment to educational equity. She has worked tirelessly to close opportunity gaps and prepare students for college and career success.
Her passion for community engagement and belief in the power of equitable education have made her a transformative force in her school and beyond. Over the years, Candaso has forged partnerships with local businesses and universities to provide students with real-world opportunities, ensuring their academic and personal growth.
Beginning her career through Teach for America during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Candaso's resilience and creativity during this time helped her build strong connections with her students and adapt to evolving educational needs. She initially joined the Wellcome faculty in 2020 as a sixth-grade English/language arts teacher before instructing within the social studies curriculum during the 2021-22 school year.
In addition to her engagement in the PCS Teacher Leadership Institute and RISE Fellow programs, she remains an active participant in the TFA organization and has served as an advisory board, onboarding team and corps member, and storytelling fellow.
"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.
"This recognition is not just about me - it’s about the incredible students, families, colleagues, and community members who inspire me every day. Together, we are proving that all students can succeed when given the tools and support they need."
The North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program, established in 1970 and sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund since 2013, recognizes outstanding educators who embody excellence in teaching. The program’s mission is to promote the teaching profession through advocacy and support while celebrating those who implement best practices in classrooms across the state. Candaso succeeds 2024 winner Heather Smith, an eighth-grade math teacher at Waynesville Middle School in Haywood County.
As North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Candaso will serve as an ambassador for public education, traveling across the state to advocate for teachers and students. She will also join the State Board of Education as an advisor for two years and participate in national professional development opportunities.
"Every student in North Carolina deserves a teacher like Ms. Candaso," State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green said. "It is clear that she is committed to a vision of comprehensive, intentional student preparation, empowering educators, families and communities to ensure that all students are poised for success."
She earned bachelor degrees in political science and criminal justice from Arizona State University and certification in international studies, homeland security and religion & conflict.
"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."
Since the inception of the program in North Carolina, three State Teachers of the Year have become National winners. Five have become National Finalists and one has been inducted into the National Teachers' Hall of Fame.
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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Media Contact:
Tom McClellan
PCS Communications & Media Relations
(252) 830-4219
Tom.McClellan@pitt.k12.nc.us
