Who We Are

We are a group of ten educators from across the state of North Carolina whose paths first crossed when we were named the 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year and the 2021 NCCAT Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. We are K-12 educators representing each of the eight NCDPI regions and Charter Schools. We are colleagues, and now friends, who at the end of our "official" term didn't feel like our statewide work for 1.5 million NC public school children was done. While we will always be the 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year team, we are excited to continue our partnership with the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and press on towards our vision and mission under the banner of TEACH21.

Jennifer Attkisson

Representing the Northeast Region, I am a 1st grade teacher who is passionate about teacher recruitment and retention, especially supporting our Beginning Teachers.

Jennie Bryan

Representing the Southeast Region, I am a 9-12 Social Studies educator. I am passionate about teacher recruitment and retention as well as education policy and advocacy work.

Nicole Rivers

Representing the Sandhills Region, I am a high school English teacher and a Multi-Classroom Leader. I am passionate about helping cultivate and elevate student and teacher voice.

Eugenia Floyd

The 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year and representing the North Central Region, I am passionate about closing opportunity gaps and recruiting, supporting, and retaining educators of color.

Kelly Poquette

Representing the Piedmont-Triad Region, I am a music educator and Ph.D. Candidate who is passionate about uplifting and empowering educators.

Cece Sizoo-Roberson

Representing the Southwest Region, I am a middle grades math teacher who is passionate about building math confidence in students so they understand all people really are "math people".

Erin Ellington

Representing the Northwest Region, I have experience as a teacher assistant, bus driver, substitute, and a music educator. I am passionate about educator leadership and am a geek about all things education!

Susanna Cerrato

Representing the West Region, I am a 3rd grade teacher passionate about inclusive, accessible education and developing teacher leaders and teacher leadership opportunities.

Jeremy White

Dad, Educator, avid Dallas Cowboys Fan and all things Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elon glass of '08, UNCC Grad of '17, and a retired DJ with the stage name "DJ Vertigo"

Emilee Higdon

Representing Beginning Teachers, High School English Teacher, UNCW Class of '18 and GWU Class of '22, Dance Teacher, & I believe in the power of empowering our students to achieve more than they think is possible.

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