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Sophia Foster Recognized as NCCAT BTOY Finalist

  • Kristine Adams
  • February 03, 2026
Sophia Foster, a UNCW alum and sixth grade teacher in Pender County, has been named a finalist for the 2026 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.
Sophia Foster, a UNCW alum and sixth grade teacher in Pender County, has been named a finalist for the 2026 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.
Courtesy: Sophia Foster

Sophia (Sophie) Foster, a sixth grade English language arts teacher at Burgaw Middle School, has been named a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

A graduate of UNCW, Foster earned her bachelor’s degree with a double major in English and communication studies. She began teaching in Pender County during the 2024–2025 academic year and is currently a residency teacher enrolled in Watson College of Education’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Grades program.

The Beginning Teacher of the Year Award recognizes promising early-career educators and supports their retention as leaders in North Carolina public schools. The 27 finalists were announced in January.

“These 27 finalists have chosen one of society’s most noble professions, and they deserve our reverence for dedicating their talents to North Carolina’s children,” said State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green in a press release. “Beginning teachers like these bring innovation, passion and fresh perspectives that energize our schools and inspire our students. At a time when recruiting and retaining excellent educators is more critical than ever, we must celebrate and support those who are just starting their teaching journey. Their commitment gives me great hope for the future of public education in North Carolina.”

Foster was featured in a Watson Chronicle story last May after being named Pender County Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year.

Finalists from across the state will attend a professional development week at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro in March. One finalist will be named the 2026 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year during a ceremony on March 12.

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This article has the following tags: Accomplishments Watson College of Education Students & Alumni