Cleveland teacher is Beginning Teacher of Year finalist

Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County Public Schools 2022 Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year Gabe Patton was one of 27 educators who were named a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

Patton, a CTE-Aviation teacher at Cleveland High School, was named the JCPS Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year in April 2022. The title allowed Patton to move on to compete for the NCCAT Empower Beginning Teacher of the Year, which will be presented March 9 at Western Carolina University.

“Mr. Patton is an invaluable resource for the students at Cleveland High School,” said Cleveland High Principal Jenna Sauls Hairr. “He is a dedicated teacher who has brought a wealth of knowledge to our school community. We’re proud of all that he’s accomplished and we’re thankful to have in our Ram family.”

Patton is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He is a lifelong learner who collaborates with other districts, the Department of Public Instruction Career and Technical Education Department and local universities in an effort to grow and expand Cleveland High’s program and generate learning opportunities for students across the state in the CTE-Aviation program.

“We appreciate the enthusiastic response from all over the state for the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “These finalists provide a snapshot of the lasting impact great teachers have on our students from the first to the last day they step into a North Carolina public school. We are excited about this opportunity to honor teachers for the important work they do in our state.”

The 2023 Beginning Teacher of the Year finalists are, in addition to Patton, Alexis Alfred, Jackson County Schools; Madison Baker, Catawba County Schools; Ratasha Benton-Manley, Northampton County Schools; Christian Boletchek, Roanoke Rapids City Schools; Izabella Botello, Iredell-Statesville Schools; Karen Cardillo, Carolina Charter Academy; Jerico Carrillo, Guilford County Schools; Katelyn Clarke, Pitt County Schools; Breeana Clayton, Henderson County Schools; Jamie Conley, Brevard Academy; Kbria Filali, Pender County Schools; Hannah Fitta, New Hanover County Schools; Kirby Forbes, Lee County Schools; Samantha Fortner, Mitchell County Schools; Emily Giardina, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools; Kenna Gautier, Clinton City Schools; Ariana Hunter, Rutherford County Schools; Goodin Huss, Hoke County Schools; Tonya McGill, Cumberland County Schools; Natalia Mejia, Cabarrus County Schools; Sabrina Moore, Mount Airy City Schools; Darbie Rash, Ashe County Schools; Nancy (Beth) Rose, Wayne County Schools; Maria Sutton, Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies; Amber White, Rowan-Salisbury Schools and Carly Wright, Thomasville City Schools.

The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash prize, participation in a GoGlobal NC trip in 2024 and instructional supply funds for their school.

The runner-up will receive a $2,000 cash prize. Finalists will receive travel expenses and substitute costs to participate in NCCAT professional development.

For more information about the NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year program, visit www.nccat.org/btoy.