ROBESON COUNTY — The Public Schools of Robeson County is proud to announce that Rhyane Jacobs, a Union Chapel Elementary School educator, has been selected as a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.
“I am greatly honored and beyond excited to receive this recognition. Teaching is a privilege and an opportunity to experience the joy of learning and the nostalgia of childhood alongside my students,” Jacobs said.
“As a beginning teacher, this award motivates me to carry on my work and reach even greater heights as an educator in my career. This title is for my students- to remind them that no matter where they come from or what they look like, they have every opportunity to achieve greatness," she added.
As a finalist, Jacobs has been invited to participate in NCCAT’s Beginning Teacher of the Year Program, scheduled for March 9–13, 2026, at the Truist Leadership Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. The program will include leadership development sessions, collaborative discussions, opportunities to share best practices, and formal interviews as part of the statewide selection process.
The culminating recognition event will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Additional details regarding the program week and recognition ceremony will be shared with finalists in January.
PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson commended Jacobs on the honor.
“Being named a finalist for NCCAT’s Beginning Teacher of the Year Award is a significant achievement and a reflection of Ms. Jacobs’ dedication to her students and passion for teaching,” Dr. Williamson said. “We are proud to have educators in our district who exemplify excellence and leadership early in their careers.”
In addition to the statewide recognition, NCCAT plans to celebrate Jacobs during an upcoming Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education meeting, recognizing her accomplishments at the district level.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award honors early-career educators across North Carolina who demonstrate exceptional teaching practice, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to student success.
“The Public Schools of Robeson County congratulates Rhyane Jacobs on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to celebrating her continued success,” Dr. Williamson said.