The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) has named Tahira Stalberte, APR of Union County Public Schools (UCPS), as the 2025 School Communicator of the Year. The announcement was made during a special awards ceremony held in High Point on April 11.
The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes one NCSPRA member each year for excellence in the field of school communications. Candidates are nominated by NCSPRA members and are evaluated based on outstanding performance in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Professionalism and Community Involvement.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award from NCSPRA,” Stalberte said. “It’s very special because I am being recognized by my colleagues. This recognition is not just about me. It reflects relationships, collaboration and teamwork.”
Stalberte was honored for her exceptional commitment to strategic communication and for advancing the field of school public relations. Her leadership has guided UCPS through several successful bond campaigns, most recently securing the passage of a $39.4 million bond package in fall 2024. Stalberte was also recognized for leading several marketing and program campaigns, including Books and Brackets, an annual reading challenge and celebration and Next Stop: TeachUCPS, a teacher pipeline program.
Stalberte exemplifies leadership through clear communication, strong collaboration and a culture of innovation. She sets clear expectations and provides her team with the resources needed to succeed. Under her guidance, the communications team has strengthened its storytelling, expanded outreach efforts and elevated the district’s brand across multiple platforms.
During her acceptance speech, Stalberte expressed heartfelt gratitude to her peers, family superintendent and the UCPS Communications team. She paid tribute to her late mentor Nora Carr, a nationally respected leader in school communications who passed away in June 2023. Stalberte credited Carr for taking a chance on her early in her career and helping shape the communicator she is today. She also used the moment to reflect on the critical role school PR professionals play in today’s public education landscape.
“Now more than ever we are needed in our roles and positions. There is a lot going on in public education. I say to each of you, you have to be the conscience in the room with your superintendent and your board. Remember your voice matters and you are the ones that tell the story the best. I promise to represent NCSPRA well.”
“Ms. Stalberte is a tireless advocate for public education and a driving force behind how we connect with our families and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan. “She tells our story with purpose, passion and integrity—and Union County Public Schools is better because of her leadership. This recognition is well deserved,” said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan.
Stalberte holds national accreditation in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America—the highest professional certification in the field. Often compared to earning a CPA in accounting or National Board Certification for teachers, the APR designation reflects a deep commitment to excellence and expertise. In addition to achieving this distinction, Stalberte has served as a mentor for the National School Public Relations Association, guiding a school PR professional as she pursued her own APR certification.
Stalberte will now be considered for the National School Communicator of the Year Award, which will be presented by the National School Public Relations Association during its national seminar in Washington, D.C. in July.
NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 190 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, please visit ncspra.org.
04/14/2025
