Burgaw Middle School teacher named ‘Beginning Teacher of the Year’ finalist

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A 6th grade English Language Arts teacher at Burgaw Middle School has been named a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

As a finalist, Sophia Foster has been invited to participate in NCCAT’s Beginning Teacher of the Year Program March 9-13, 2026, at the Truist Leadership Center in Greensboro. This program will include leadership development sessions, opportunities to share instructional practices, and interviews with finalists across the state.

The recognition event will take place March 12th, 2026, at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

NCCAT plans to recognize Foster at a Pender County Board of Education meeting in the winter.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Foster said. “Teaching in Pender County has been a meaningful way to start my career, and I’ve learned a lot from my students and colleagues at Burgaw Middle School.”

Burgaw Middle School Principal Brian Allen shared his support following the announcement. “Our school family is very proud of Ms. Foster,” Allen said. “We know she will continue to represent Burgaw Middle School and Pender County Schools well, and we look forward to supporting her along the way.”

Foster also serves at Pender County Schools’ 2025-26 Beginning Teacher of the Year.