Ashe County Educator Named Finalist for 2026 NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year

For Immediate Release September 3, 2025

Ashe County Educator Named Finalist for 2026 NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year

Ashe County Schools proudly congratulates Mrs. Megan Colvard, Nursing Teacher at Ashe County High School, on being named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award. This honor is presented by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) and recognizes excellence in CTE instruction and leadership across the state.

Mrs. Colvard was celebrated this summer at the NCCAT Conference Keynote and Awards Gala held in Winston-Salem. As a finalist, she will also participate in NCCAT’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Program this December at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro. The experience will include leadership development sessions, collaboration with fellow educators, and a finalist interview.

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Mrs. Colvard was honored at the September Ashe County Board of Education meeting by Gin Hodge, NCCAT Chief Academic Officer, as well as Karen Boyles, NCDPI NW CTE Regional Coordinator, and Dr. Nancy Cross, NCDPI Office of CTE Assistant Director.

Since joining Ashe County High School in 2020, Mrs. Colvard has taught Health Science and Biomedical Technology and co-sponsored the school’s HOSA chapter (Health Occupations Students of America). Prior to becoming an educator, she served as an emergency room nurse at Ashe Memorial Hospital.

Earl Pennington, Director of CTE & Accountability for Ashe County Schools, praised her dedication: “Her commitment to her students’ success is unmatched. She goes above and beyond to ensure they thrive both in and out of the classroom.”

Mrs. Colvard expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. “Being named a finalist for NCCAT’s CTE Teacher of the Year is incredibly meaningful—but also a little humbling,” she said. “I know the level of talent and heart that exists within Ashe County CTE, as well as among statewide CTE educators. This honor reflects their influence just as much as my own efforts, and I’m genuinely excited for the opportunity to represent the amazing work we do together.”

Dr. Eisa Cox, Superintendent of Ashe County Schools, added, “Mrs. Colvard exemplifies the kind of educator every student deserves—passionate, skilled, and fully invested in student success. We are proud of her achievements and the impact she continues to make in our schools.”

Ashe County Schools extends best wishes to Mrs. Colvard as she continues through the NCCAT selection process. Her excellence in teaching and commitment to student learning make her a true leader in education.