By Amy Cockerham
Public Ed Works

CONCORD (January 29, 2026) – A new North Carolina teacher is sharing more about her journey to teach as she’s named an award finalist.

Kennedy Elmore is one of 27 educators in the running for the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

The award process required a lengthy application process with two personal essays, as well as five letters of support, from supervisors and even a student. The winner will be named in March after candidates attend a week of professional development.

Elmore, now in her second year of teaching, is a 9th-12th grade English Language Arts teacher at Cox Mill High School.

“I got into teaching because I always found myself being the little girl who wanted to read to her stuffed animals, and then prop them up and teach them,” Elmore said. “I love being creative, and I love coming up with really fun and engaging lessons.”

However, Elmore said she started college at NC State University to become a nurse. After a couple classes, she changed her mind. 

“I had my critics who did not really understand why I wanted to switch from a degree that probably would have been making me double what I make right now,” Elmore said.

When making the change, she said NC State was supportive, and she felt encouraged by being surrounded by others who were passionate about teaching too.

“In the current climate, sometimes being supported as a beginning teacher in terms of monetary, like what we make, is really hard,” Elmore said. “We are not on par.”

Increased beginning teacher pay is a part of the House budget proposal, but North Carolina still hasn’t passed a budget for this year.

“Parts of that budget have increasing teacher pay to $50,000, especially like year one,” Elmore said. “We would see more retention of teachers, and we could potentially see more teachers entering the field at such a critical time where there are so many open positions because there are not enough teachers right now.”

Elmore said outside of pay, many teachers struggle with working at underfunded schools.

“I would say the school I work at, we are a very well-funded school,” Elmore said. “However, I have been on the other side and have seen schools that could use more funding, especially in terms of school lunch and supplies and things that kids might not necessarily be able to afford.”

Elmore hopes the current climate won’t stop others from choosing the same fulfilling career path she has.

“Keep at it,” Elmore said. “The kids know when you keep showing up for them, even when it might be a little tough.”