Polk County High School agriculture education teacher Ashley Gilbert was recognized Monday at the Polk County Board of Education meeting for being named one of 24 finalists for the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Teacher of the Year Award.
Gilbert, a 2007 graduate of Polk County High School and 2011 graduate of North Carolina State University, joins an elite group of educators from across the state competing for the top honor in career and technical education. She was previously recognized as the West Regional Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association.
The award, developed through a partnership between the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education, recognizes outstanding CTE educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inspiring and empowering their students.
The 24 finalists will participate in a week of professional development at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro from Dec. 1-5. The state winner will be announced during a ceremony Dec. 4 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.
The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize, participation in the national ACTE conference, instructional supply funds for their school and a three-year NCACTE membership. All finalists receive travel expenses, substitute costs and a one-year NCACTE membership.
