Skip to content
EdNC. Essential education news. Important stories. Your voice.

Tyler D’Angelo named 2025 CTE Teacher of the Year

Voiced by Amazon Polly

Tyler D’Angelo, an agriculture teacher at CE Jordan High School in Durham Public Schools, was named the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year. 

The ceremony took place at the John. W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University on Feb. 20, according to a press release. 

This is D’Angelo’s sixth year as an agricultural educator, primarily teaching agriscience and horticulture classes. 

A current student said it was D’Angelo who inspired their decision to major in agroecology. 

“Though my time in high school is coming to an end, I feel confident that Mr. D’Angelo will continue to strengthen our program and prepare the next generation of students,” the student said. “He has inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agroecology from North Carolina State University starting next fall.”

Students in D’Angelo’s classes have not only met but exceeded state benchmarks, earned industry-recognized credentials, and participated in work-based learning experiences.  

“Mr. D’Angelo embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator: dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” noted a colleague of D’Angelo. “His impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future leaders of our community and the agriculture industry.”

Alisha Pierri, 2025 CTE Teacher of the Year runner-up. Courtesy of NCCAT

This is the third year the award has been presented with finalists from across North Carolina present. 

“At NCCAT, we are honored to celebrate and support the exceptional Career and Technical Education teachers who inspire and prepare the next generation of North Carolina’s workforce,” said Dr. M. Brock Womble, executive director of NCCAT. 

The runner-up for the CTE Teacher of the Year Award is Alisha Pierri, a culinary arts and hospitality teacher at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology in Brunswick County Schools.

Finalists for the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year Award include:

FinalistDistrict
David DixonBeaufort County Schools
Alisha PierriBrunswick County Schools
Ashleigh MillerCabarrus County Schools
Travis AdkisonChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Fred Mason (in memoriam)Columbus County Schools
Misty GuthrieCraven County Schools
Megan FrazierCurrituck County Schools
Cathy BerrierDavidson County Schools
Tyler D’AngeloDurham Public Schools
Brooke ClappGuilford County Schools
Terry DrumHickory City Schools
Tracy SkeensIredell-Statesville Schools
Melissa HaiglerJackson County Public Schools
Ashley HollomanJohnston County Public Schools
Nicole Extine Madison County Schools
Stephanie ShawMooresville Graded School District
Miranda Wells Pender County Schools
Angie Byrne Pitt County Schools
Phyllis KingPublic Schools of Robeson County
Vernon BlackmanSampson County Schools
Sarah JohnsonSurry County Schools
Toby SorrellSwain County Schools
Steven WardWatauga County Schools
Megan GambillWilkes County Schools

Nominations for the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award are now open. Here is more information about the process and award details.  

Emily Thomas

Emily Thomas is the Director of Postsecondary Attainment for EducationNC.