The Development Foundation of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), in partnership with Sampson County Schools, is thrilled to announce that Natalie Jones, a career and technical educator (CTE) at Midway High School, has been selected as the 2025-2026 Jean P. Powell Honored Educator Scholar.
“Mrs. Jones exemplifies the dedication and innovative spirit that Jean Powell envisioned for North Carolina educators,” said Dr. Jamie King, superintendent of Sampson County Schools. “ We are grateful for her contributions to the Midway High School community and the teaching profession as a whole.”
This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to a teacher from Sampson County or Clinton City Schools, honoring the enduring legacy of Jean P. Powell. Mrs. Powell, a Clinton native and the 1983 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, was a visionary leader whose passion for education led to the founding of NCCAT. Her dream was to create a space where teachers could grow professionally, collaborate with peers, and renew their commitment to excellence in education.
As the Jean P. Powell Honored Educator Scholar, Ms. Jones will have the unique opportunity to attend an NCCAT program of her choice, with all associated costs fully covered by the scholarship. In addition, she will receive a $250 classroom grant from the Powell Endowment, empowering her to further enrich the learning experiences of her students at Midway High School.
NCCAT programs provide teachers across North Carolina with immersive professional development experiences, focusing on new instructional strategies, collaboration, and personal reflection. The Jean P. Powell Honored Educator Scholarship ensures that Mrs. Powell’s legacy continues to inspire and empower educators for generations to come.
“Her commitment to student success and professional growth makes her a deserving recipient of this honor,” said M. Brock Womble, executive director of NCCAT.
About the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT):
NCCAT is a nationally recognized leader in professional development for educators, offering a variety of programs designed to strengthen teaching practices, foster innovation, and improve student outcomes across the state.
For more information about NCCAT and the Jean P. Powell Honored Educator Scholarship, please visit www.nccat.org