BCPS names Principal of the Year, Beginning Teacher of the Year

Caroline Johnson will represent BCPS at state Principal of the Year programThis past was an exciting week for Burke County Public Schools has named Hildebran Elementary School Principal Caroline Johnson the 2025-26 Principal of the Year for the district.

“This nomination feels unexpected, but I am exceptionally honored to be recognized by my peers,” Johnson said. “I work alongside outstanding administrators who I greatly respect and have learned so much from over the years. To be nominated by them means the world to me.”

She was surprised with the honor in a special presentation at her school on Monday, Sept. 29.

Johnson, who has served as an educator and leader in Burke County for more than a decade, was selected for the honor by her fellow principals. She will now represent Burke County Public Schools at the regional level in the statewide Principal of the Year program.

She n began her career in education in eastern North Carolina in 2006 and moved to Burke County in 2008 to teach at Icard Elementary School. After a brief return to eastern North Carolina, she came back to Burke in 2012 as a Principal Fellow Intern at Liberty Middle School.

She went on to serve as assistant principal at Table Rock Middle School and Freedom High School before taking on principal roles at Glen Alpine Elementary and, most recently, Hildebran Elementary.

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan praised Johnson for her steady leadership and commitment to students.

“Mrs. Johnson is a shining example of what it means to be a servant leader. She brings warmth, professionalism, and a relentless belief in the potential of every student who walks through her school doors. She creates an environment where students feel supported, teachers feel valued, and families feel welcomed. Whether celebrating a big win or offering encouragement through a challenge, she leads with both courage and compassion,” he said.

Over the course of her career, Johnson has witnessed significant changes in education, particularly in the role of technology. She recalls being among the first teachers at Icard Elementary to receive a Smartboard.

She said, “Technology in education has changed drastically from the beginning of my career until now. But at the end of the day, good teaching is still good teaching. Small, intentional groups and meaningful lessons are still the best way to meet students’ needs.”

For those new to the profession, whether teachers or administrators, Johnson offers this advice: Communication and clear feedback are “super important.”

What keeps her motivated is watching students grow over time.

She said, “One of the best things about staying at a school for a while is seeing the progress students make from year to year. Looking back on where they started and seeing how far they’ve come is what makes me most proud.”

Outside of school, Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, children Ella and Isaac, and dogs, Rocky and Bane. She is also an avid runner and reader.

Draughn High’s Mallory Hartman named Beginning Teacher of the YearMallory Hartman, a science teacher at Draughn High School, has been named Burke County Public Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year for 2025. A product of Burke County Schools, Hartman attended Valdese Elementary, Heritage Middle and Draughn High before earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in chemistry and art at Western Carolina University.

Hartman said about the two disciplines, “I love science and art. My undergraduate concentration was in molecular and cellular biology. As part of my studies, I pursued a minor in chemistry and in art, focusing on ceramics.”

Hartman’s original career path was dentistry, but after graduating from college, she decided she wanted to make a difference in the lives of students. She started teaching at Draughn last school year.

“I have always had a passion for helping people, and ever since high school, I was intrigued by dentistry,” she said. While in college, I worked in the dental field and loved the hands-on clinical work with patients, especially the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. I considered further education in dentistry, but after graduating from Western Carolina University, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater to teach my favorite subject — biology. This path has allowed me to unite my love of science, my passion for helping others, and the inspiration I’ve carried from teaching alongside my mom.”

Hartman’s mom is a longtime teacher at Valdese Elementary School. She has leaned on her mom and other veteran teachers for advice. She thanked them for their guidance and encouragement. Addressing veteran teachers, she said, “The wisdom and experience you share, even in small ways, can truly shape our success. Please keep sharing your passion and knowledge; it not only inspires students but also motivates and uplifts those of us who are just starting out in the profession.”

As for the district’s beginning teacher program and support, she said, “BCPS provides so much support for new teachers. From mentorship opportunities to professional development, there are always resources available to help us grow. My instructional coach, Christy Arrowood, was especially vital to my success during my first year. Together, we dove headfirst into the new biology standards — immersing ourselves every day in creating notes, assignments, labs, and assessments that aligned with the NC Biology standards and SEPs (the Science and Engineering Practices.) We worked hard to design meaningful lessons, and her encouragement and guidance made all the difference. In addition, the administrators helped me feel truly welcomed and appreciated. Their encouragement and recognition of my hard work made such a big difference — it made me feel seen and supported as a new teacher. Between the mentorship, administrative support, and the strong network at BCPS, I’ve felt surrounded by people who genuinely want to see me succeed.”

Hartman’s advice for new teachers is not to be afraid to ask questions and get all the help they can, especially, from administrators and mentors who are there for support. She said, “There is so much to learn in your first year. Set clear expectations from day one. Students thrive when they know what to expect. Most importantly, take time to truly get to know your students. Relationships are at the heart of everything you do in the classroom.”

Hartman said a highlight of teaching is fostering relationships with students, getting to know them as individuals, and watching them grow in confidence and critical thinking skills.

She said, “I enjoy taking complex concepts and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces so students can truly understand, grow, and apply what they’ve learned to the real world. I also value the organization and preparation that goes into planning meaningful lessons. It’s rewarding to see that work come to life in the classroom.”

In addition to her passion for teaching biology, Hartman is also deeply passionate about ceramics. After graduation, she led pottery classes and workshops in the mountains and has continued to create and share her work within the local community. She has pieces featured in coffee shops, art shops, festivals, and commissioned projects. She said, “Currently, my ceramic work is sold at City Lights Coffee Shop in Sylva, Mud Dabbers Pottery Shop in Franklin and The Grind in Morganton. I hope to expand to additional venues and look forward to offering summer pottery classes again in the future.”

Hartman will represent Burke County Public Schools in the NCCAT Burroughs Welcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year program, which will continue to make the beginning of her career memorable. She said, “My first year of teaching exceeded my expectations. It felt natural, helped me grow tremendously, and, most of all, affirmed how much I love connecting with my students and sharing my excitement for biology every day.”

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan had Hartman as a student when he was principal at Heritage Middle School. He said, “I am always excited to see former students come back to Burke County and dedicate themselves to education. Ms. Hartman was a great student, a great product of our school system and is now making her mark on the next generations. We look forward to seeing her continue to excel in her teaching career long term and representing us as Beginning Teacher of the Year this year.”