On March 7, UCPS leadership surprised five outstanding beginning teachers by naming them finalists for the 2025-2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year award. This special recognition celebrates their dedication, passion, and impact in the classroom during the critical early years of their careers. Though they are just beginning, their commitment to student success and growth is already making a difference. One of these finalists will be named Beginning Teacher of the Year at an awards ceremony on May 8.
Caralynne Zannini, Indian Trail Elementary
Caralynne Zannini is a first-grade teacher at Indian Trail Elementary. She has a bachelor's in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Zannini was a student teacher at Weddington Elementary in 2023 and gained additional experience as a clinical student teacher at Rocky River Elementary. She also taught first grade at Mint Hill Elementary and fifth grade at Elon Park Elementary in 2022 in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Outside of teaching, she has been involved with No Limits Dance Company since 2020, serving as the director of the recreational program and a dance instructor.
"I’m just honored and I’m just very appreciative of this recognition. I love the environment and the community. My class is great, my team is great, and all the support I have is amazing."
Isabelle Stevens, Cuthbertson High
Isabelle Stevens is a science teacher at Cuthbertson High. Stevens graduated from Cuthbertson High in 2020 and has a bachelor's in secondary science education from Western Governors University. As a student teacher at the school in 2024, she co-taught three biology classes and created engaging lesson plans. Before teaching, she worked as a dental hygienist at Strive Dental Studio in Waxhaw, providing patient care, treatment planning and education.
"It's definitely an honor and a surprise. It’s a good way to start a Friday. I graduated from Cuthbertson in 2018 so it’s nice to be back in a different role now. What I enjoy the most about teaching here is building the relationships with my students and getting to know them, and seeing them grow not just academically but as a person."
Emma Adams, Western Union Elementary
Emma Adams is a physical education teacher at Western Union Elementary. She holds a bachelor's in kindergarten through 12th-grade health and physical education from Wingate University and graduated from Piedmont High in 2020. Adams has student-taught kindergarten through fifth grade at Unionville Elementary and sixth through eighth grade at Cuthbertson Middle, where she created lesson plans focused on psychomotor, cognitive and affective skills. She also assisted with extracurricular activities such as curriculum night and music club production. Before teaching, Adams worked as a sales associate and mail clerk at Wingate University, gaining experience in customer service, retail operations and campus mail management.
"I can hardly believe I was given this opportunity; it feels unbelievable to have been chosen. There is a family atmosphere here, and being welcomed and lifted up to do my best is amazing. My favorite part of teaching is seeing my students' faces light up, watching how they change, and being able to teach them how to live better and be more active, inspiring them to do better."
Mark Furr, Parkwood High
Mark Furr is a career and technical education marketing teacher at Parkwood High. He has previously held various roles at Duke Energy, including the position of manager of marketing communications. In this position, he focused on marketing campaigns for energy efficiency and implemented an enterprise-wide Account-Based Marketing (ABM) platform. Furr holds a bachelor's in graphic design from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With his background in marketing and design, he brings real-world experiences to his classroom, helping students connect theory with practical applications.
"I am honored to receive this award and to be nominated for this. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Parkwood. I've gotten so much support from the staff. I've felt connected to the school from day one. I’ve enjoyed sharing my passion for marketing with my different classes. It’s been a great adventure for me."
Kaylee Spencer, Rocky River Elementary
Kaylee Spencer is a kindergarten teacher at Rocky River Elementary. She graduated from Meredith College in 2023 with a degree in child development. Spencer is licensed in North Carolina to teach birth through kindergarten. At Meredith, she completed her student teaching assignments at Rolesville Elementary and Abbotts Creek Elementary, both in Wake County Public Schools. She also gained experience through internships at Project Enlightenment and the Ellen Brewer House, focusing on preschool and infant care.
"I feel very excited and so happy right now. Being a teacher has always been a dream of mine, and I hope it can inspire other beginning teachers or people who want to be teachers. It’s all about setting your mind to something and achieving anything. My favorite part about teaching here is the staff. My team and I are very close, and my administration are very supportive. It feels like a family."
03/07/2025
