Tara Carroll named 2025-2026 Lenoir County Public Schools Teacher of the Year
In a heartwarming and inspirational evening that celebrated the very best of Lenoir County Public Schools, South Lenoir High School’s Tara Carroll was named the 2025-2026 LCPS Teacher of the Year during the district's annual banquet. The announcement capped a night filled with gratitude, celebration, and powerful stories from educators whose dedication continues to shape the future of LCPS students.
Carroll, a veteran educator with 20 years of classroom experience, returned to her roots in Lenoir County two school years ago after working in Wake County. Her journey came full circle in the same school system where her love of teaching began.
“My passion for teaching and math started in my sophomore high school math class at North Lenoir,” Carroll shared. “In my 20 years of teaching, I've taught over 2,000 students, and that seems so crazy to say—but I promise, I did the math.”
Her approach to teaching goes far beyond the formulas and figures. Carroll is known for creating a nurturing, energetic, and inclusive classroom culture where every student feels valued and empowered.
“Every student still wants to be loved and praised,” she said. “And that's the classroom culture I try to create—where we can all leave our worries behind and just do some math together. Because in that hour and a half, we are all together in the same moment for the same purpose: to teach, to learn, to push ourselves and to reach our full potential.”
In her finalist speech, Carroll told a moving story about a student who had once struggled to even make eye contact in math class due to a lack of confidence. But with Carroll’s encouragement and support, the student began to thrive.
“One day, the same student looked me in the eye with a big smile on her face, and she told me that she had never been this good at math and she had a C. This same student comes by every day this semester and gives me a hug,” Carroll said. “And this is why I teach—for the success stories, the overcomers, and the overachievers.”
Carroll’s teaching is marked by a blend of enthusiasm, creativity, and care. From chants like “V for value” to custom math rhymes before tests, she aims to make learning math a memorable experience for every student—regardless of their age, background, or ability level.
“I want all my students to love math, but even more, I want them to love learning,” she said.
Erin Greene, Northwest Elementary’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year and last year’s district winner, shared reflections on Carroll’s exceptional qualifications during the ceremony.
“This teacher has been described as one of the most effective and exemplary teachers ever in their school,” Greene said. “A classroom that is a model of effective instruction where every minute counts. She has unwavering dedication to her students, innovative teaching methods, and a collaborative spirit.”
She also highlighted Carroll’s extensive leadership, noting her service on the School Improvement Team and her role as a mentor to beginning teachers. Carroll is also a National Board Certified Teacher—further testament to her deep commitment to the profession.
“Mrs. Carroll winning LCPS teacher of the year is such a proud moment for her and for South Lenoir High School,” said SLHS principal Elizabeth Pierce. “It reflects the excellence and dedication we strive for each day as a school and as a school district. She has a deep commitment to student success and a passion for education that is shown throughout our entire school community. She creates an environment where students can enjoy the learning process and feel excited about being at school. She exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator.”
Superintendent Brent Williams closed the evening by acknowledging the extraordinary dedication of all the honorees.
“What an awesome display of excellence in education,” he said. “They talked about loving kids. They talked about selfless service. They talked about pouring into their kids. Our teachers give all that they have. They give selflessly, and they are truly a blessing.”
The banquet also honored the 2025 Teachers of the Year from each LCPS school, as well as two other district-level recognitions: Mr. Andre Clark of Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School as the Non-Instructional Classified Employee of the Year, and Mrs. Salisa Cobb of Moss Hill Elementary was celebrated as the LCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year.
As Superintendent Williams noted, the spirit of the night was one of deep appreciation and hope: “Tomorrow, they will get up and go to work… and it will be an outstanding day for the children who are so richly blessed to be served by these amazing educators.
Congratulations to Tara Carroll and all the educators honored. Your work not only teaches—it transforms.
Tara Carroll, LCPS’ 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, stands holding her South Lenoir Teacher of the Year plaque, as well as her district-wide award. She stands with Superintendent Brent Williams and Board of Education Member John Wiggins.
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