Cole Watkins Named NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year for OCS

Congratulations to Cole Watkins, Orange High School Agricultural Teacher for being named the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year for Orange County Schools!

The NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year program was created to celebrate the excellence and dedication of CTE teachers in North Carolina Public Schools. To be nominated, CTE teachers must teach in North Carolina Public School for at least five years, be employed full-time as a CTE teacher, and directly teach students at least 70% of the time. 

Qualified teachers are nominated by peers who celebrate their colleague’s positive impact on students. Mr. Watkins was nominated by a fellow Panther who said:

“I would like to nominate him for being an excellent teacher who truly cares about and advocates for his students. He goes above and beyond to provide real-world experience and practical skills in the metal shop that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.” 

This isn’t Watkins’ first nomination for this award, as peers have long recognized his commitment to investing in students and their experience in his class. 

In a nomination from last school year, a colleague wrote: 

“He invests countless hours ensuring that every student gains real-world experience in his welding shop. He has created opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, giving students the confidence and skills needed to thrive in their future careers, whether it be in agriculture or not.”

Representing OCS, Watkins will submit a portfolio to be one of 24 statewide finalists who attend a full week of professional development before NCCAT announces the next CTE Teacher of the Year! 

“I am extremely grateful to be named NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year for Orange County Schools,” Watkins said. “It really comes full circle for me—being a product of Orange County Schools' CTE programs—to be able to teach the students in the same community and to make sure I can provide the same opportunities to students that I was fortunate enough to have. This award showcases the long-lasting impact the Orange County Schools CTE program has.”