"Superheroine with a Caring Heart”: Teacher Rebeckah Goras Named OCS Beginning Teacher of the Year

Described as a “superheroine,” praised for her compassion and dedication to her students, Rebeckah Goras, Exceptional Children’s (EC) teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle School (ALS), was named Orange County Schools 2025-26 Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY).

Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones joined district and school leaders to share the surprise announcement with Ms. Goras in her class on Friday, September 26, and said:

“We are so proud to recognize Rebeckah Goras as our district Beginning Teacher of the Year. Ms. Goras represents the passion, talent, and dedication that will shape the future of education in OCS. She has quickly made a difference at A.L. Stanback Middle School by building strong connections with students, staff, and families. We are excited to see her continue to grow and inspire others in the years ahead.”

Although Goras’ Orange County Schools career began in August 2024, her work with children began in 2014 as Coach and Instructor at Kidsport Gymnastic Academy in Burlington, North Carolina, where she is still active today. 

Kim Michael, Owner/Director of Kidsport Gymnastic Academy, said she’s watched Goras evolve through many phases of life: “I have watched her grow from a determined student into a competitive collegiate athlete and become a devoted teacher who has touched many lives.”

Starting as a volunteer before she even entered college, Goras has steadily gained experience working with children in various capacities: classroom volunteer, teacher assistant, and her first assignment teaching K-2 students in Caswell County Schools near the end of the 2023-2024 school year. 

“Her ability to connect with young people is extraordinary; she meets them exactly where they are, encouraging them to believe in themselves, to push through challenges and to discover a genuine love of learning and growth,” Michael said. 
 

"I understand that many well-deserving teachers are considered for Beginning Teacher of the Year, and rightfully so. However, in my book, “superheroine” is an accolade reserved for the most exceptional of exceptional needs teachers."

A.L. Stanback Middle School Parent

A first-generation college student, Goras steadily moved in the direction of a teaching career. Double-majoring in Psychology and Elementary Education, she graduated from Western Carolina University in 2021, while also leading as team captain for the women’s track and field team. 

Two years later, she graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) with a Masters in Elementary Education, while also working at Hunters Elementary School in Guilford County Schools as a teacher assistant in an EC classroom. 

Stepping into her EC classroom teacher role at ALS, Goras said, “I was immersed in a fast-paced environment where I quickly learned how to create and interpret Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), navigate the complexities of student behavior, and tailor academic content to meet diverse needs.”

Her first year was not without challenges. Goras relied on her community of fellow educators and years of practice celebrating wins, both big and small, to keep up her courage, confidence, and resilience.

“There were days when progress felt slow, and it was easy to question whether I was making a difference,” Goras said. “But even in those hard moments, I reminded myself that growth often takes time and that sometimes the smallest steps forward are the most significant. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown not just in my knowledge and skills, but also in my confidence and compassion as an education.”

Her confidence in her work and compassion for her students inspired several of Goras’ recommendations from peers, parents, and school administrators alike. 

“As an Exceptional Education teacher serving students with severe and profound disabilities, Ms. Goras has demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to excellence well beyond what one would expect of a first-year educator,” said Heather Witherspoon, ALS Assistant Principal. 

“Ms. Goras exemplifies the qualities we hope to see in all educators: dedication, collaboration, and a relentless focus on student growth, all under the umbrella of her caring heart.”

Ms. Rebeckah Goras will represent OCS in the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) BTOY program. 

Eligible teachers have completed their first year of teaching in a NC public school and continued employment in the same school or district for their second year, and they teach students directly at least 70% of the time. Finalists will be named in December, and the NC BTOY will be announced in March 2026.