Achievers & Accolades

Cumberland County educator named a finalist for NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award

By Staff Report, posted 5 months ago

Cumberland County Schools is proud to announce that Haleigh Baker, the district's 2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year, was recently selected as a finalist for the  North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching's (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

A nomination form submitted on behalf of the Cumberland International Early College High School (CIECHS) math teacher highlighted that Baker exudes genuine enthusiasm for teaching and demonstrates a deep passion for her subject matter. Her contagious love for learning serves as an inspiration to her students.

The nomination highlighted Baker's exceptional dedication and perseverance during her first year of teaching. She successfully taught End-of-Course (EOC) tested subjects, contributing to increased school proficiency rates. Going above and beyond, Baker tutored students before and after school, analyzed assessment data to identify learning gaps and integrated small-group instruction into her daily lessons.

Her classroom reflected the expertise of a veteran educator, with clear policies, procedures and expectations that create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to take academic risks. Additionally, Baker actively collaborated with her colleagues to address student needs and advance school initiatives and programs, demonstrating her commitment to both individual and collective success.

The nominator praised Baker's remarkable confidence as a beginning teacher, stating in a press release: "Most importantly, she [Baker] is confident in her ability to break content into manageable, attainable pieces, which, in turn, fuels her confidence that her students can succeed. Her unwavering belief in them shifts their mindsets and sparks their belief in themselves."

On March 27, Baker will join the other award finalists at a special ceremony on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro for the announcement of the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award recipient.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Wrapping up nicely: Major construction finishes up on new R & R Brewing location coming soon to downtown Clinton

The building began as an empty shell and after major construction and renovations, the first floor is almost ready for guests. Photo by GFBJ.It has been a busy two years at 104 Fayetteville St. in downtown Clinton for R & R Brewing. Sin


Rich in memories: Rich Farm & Venue offers affordable space with modern amenities for customers to reserve for their special celebrations

Rich Farm & Venue is a 37-acre space with amenities suitable for any occasion such as weddings, birthday parties and more. Photos provided by Rich Farm & Venue. Rich Farm & Venue in the town of Roseboro combines affordable prices and


A novel concept: New bookstore and wine bar coming to downtown Fayetteville

Kellie Artis is the owner of Bound & Vine, a soon-to-open independent bookstore and wine bar. Photo by GFBJ. Bookworms and wine lovers are in for a treat as downtown’s newest tenant prepares to open later this year. Kellie Artis is the