Rebeckah Goras Named Finalist for NC Beginning Teacher of the Year

On Tuesday, February 24, Orange County Schools proudly welcomed representatives of the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching to A.L. Stanback Middle School to recognize Ms. Rebeckah Goras as a finalist for NC Beginning Teacher of the Year!

Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble and Deputy Director Dr. Karen Sumner joined OCS Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones, school and district leaders, and many members of the A.L. Stanback Bulldog Family in congratulating Ms. Goras. 

In early March, all 27 finalists from around the state will gather for professional development, interviews, and portfolio reviews. This year's winner will be announced at a banquet on March 12 at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

Ms. Goras' students and her track team were among the many invited to a special assembly in the auditorium for this recognition. As Dr. Sumner said, 

"At NCCAT, we are committed to advancing teaching as an art and a profession, and we are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Goras as a shining example of that mission."

Ms. Goras thanked administrators and everyone who made it possible to share this moment with her students and colleagues:

"I couldn't have asked for a better community, a better classroom, a better track team, and better people to help me along the way during my time here at A.L. Stanback."

Join us in congratulating Ms. Goras and wishing her well in the statewide program! 

Learn more in our October 2025 story announcing Rebeckah Goras as OCS Beginning Teacher of the Year, and stay tuned for more news in March!