Camden County Schools is proud to announce that Amanda Forbes, a Career & Technical Education teacher at Camden Middle School, is a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award.
This recognition places Amanda Forbes among an outstanding group of district and charter school educators from across North Carolina, each recognized for their excellence in career and technical education pathways and their commitment to fostering student success.
“Amanda exemplifies the very best of high-quality Career and Technical Education through a student-centered program that prepares learners for success in education, careers, and life,” said Carol Overton, Camden County Scgiiks CTE Director. “She works intentionally to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate, explore agricultural pathways, and develop confidence in their abilities. Through inclusive practices and strong relationship-building, Amanda creates an environment where every student feels valued and capable of success.”
NCCAT, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE), developed the CTE Teacher of the Year award to honor outstanding CTE educators, encourage teacher leadership, and emphasize the importance of CTE instruction in North Carolina public schools.
Camden County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brandon Ratliff praised Forbes’ selection as a finalist: “We are extremely proud of Amanda Forbes and this well-deserved recognition. Her selection as a finalist reflects her commitment to students, her leadership in CTE, and the high-quality instruction taking place in Camden County Schools. She is helping prepare students with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to be successful beyond the classroom.”
The 24 finalists will attend a week of professional development from October 26-30, 2026. The winner will be announced during a recognition event on October 29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Concord, North Carolina.