Celebrating Excellence: North Carolina's 2026 Certified Educators of the Year Announced

Celebrating Excellence in Education

On June 17, 2026, Pearson officially announced the recipients of the 2026 CERTIFIED Educators of the Year award during a prestigious ceremony at the Certiport CERTIFIED Educator Conference. This award honors outstanding educators who have significantly impacted their students by promoting the importance of industry-recognized technology certifications in today's classrooms.

Honoring Exceptional Educators

This year, the award went to Frances Clark from West Johnson High School and Ashley Faulkner from Triton High School, both located in North Carolina. Their dedication to preparing students for the future workforce through the integration of real-world skills and technology certifications has set a benchmark for educators everywhere.

Laura Peterson, Managing Director of Professional Assessments at Pearson, expressed the vital role that teachers like Clark and Faulkner play in shaping the futures of their students, stating, "Their approaches to educating, nurturing, and motivating learners have a direct impact on the future success of their students. The Educators of the Year initiative is our way of celebrating those teachers who inspire young people to keep learning and growing."

Frances Clark: A Commitment to Student Success

Frances Clark is celebrated for her compassionate and dedicated approach to teaching. She continuously works to ensure her students receive exceptional educational opportunities tailored to meet their unique needs. Reno Palombit, Director of Career and Technical Education for Johnston County Public Schools, noted, "Fran is an amazing teacher who goes out of her way to help her students succeed." This sentiment highlights Clark's commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive.

Ashley Faulkner: Leading Through Experience

Similarly, Ashley Faulkner has made a name for herself as a transformative educator. Having taught in various schools and handling multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, Faulkner has become a master in her field. "You will not find an educator more dedicated to their craft than Ashley Faulkner," praised Lindsey Hardy, CTE Program Coordinator at Harnett County Schools. Her expertise and unwavering dedication have significantly enriched the learning experiences of her students.

A Dynamic Duo

Recognized as a powerful team, Clark and Faulkner’s collaborative spirit enhances the educational landscape in North Carolina. Beth Matthews, a Business, Finance, and Marketing Education Consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, shared her admiration: "Working with Ashley and Fran is a pleasure. They are a dynamic duo who are always willing to explore new opportunities for the classes they teach. They consistently go above and beyond."

The Significance of the Award

The Certiport CERTIFIED Educator of the Year award is presented at the annual CERTIFIED Educator Conference, which serves as a vital platform for educators to discuss the impact of technology in education. This platform aims to highlight the transformative role of technology certifications in preparing students for future careers.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of Frances and Ashley, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader implications of their work. Educators play a crucial role in equipping students with skills that meet the evolving demands of the workforce. By advocating for industry-recognized certifications, they bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring students are well-prepared to make their mark in the world.

For more insights into the innovative teaching practices of these exceptional educators, you can view a video feature highlighting their work and accomplishments as the 2026 CERTIFIED Educators of the Year.

About Pearson

Pearson's mission is simple: to help people realize the life they aspire through learning. With nearly 18,000 employees globally, Pearson is dedicated to creating enriching educational experiences designed to make a real-life impact. Serving customers in nearly 200 countries, Pearson works tirelessly to empower learners of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more about their initiatives, visit Pearson’s website.