North Carolina Teachers Selected as N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources 2026 Teacher Ambassadors

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of its Teacher Ambassadors, 20 exceptional K-12 educators from across the state. These ambassadors will partner with DNCR to champion innovative, experiential, and place-based learning that connects classrooms with North Carolina's rich cultural, historical, and natural resources, while also helping ensure that educators understand and can access the robust support DNCR provides for their critical work.

Representing a wide range of grade levels, subject areas, backgrounds, and communities, these educators are recognized for their creativity, collaboration, and dedication to inspiring a love of learning. Through their partnership with DNCR, they will help colleagues and students in each region of the state build deeper connections to North Carolina and more than 100 DNCR sites, fostering a shared appreciation for the state's cultural and natural heritage.

"North Carolina's K-12 educators are among the most talented and dedicated in the nation, and these ambassadors exemplify that excellence," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "We are thrilled to partner with this exceptional group from across the state as they help strengthen the connections between DNCR's resources and classrooms, advance educational innovation, and inspire a deeper love of North Carolina."

Through the program, the Teacher Ambassadors will:

● Explore DNCR sites statewide to develop innovative, standards-aligned resources for classroom use.

● Act as liaisons between DNCR and educators in their regions, showcasing enhancing teaching and learning opportunities that will positively impact students all around the state.

● Inspire teachers to use North Carolina's history, natural resources, and culture as powerful educational tools.

Meet the 2026 DNCR Teacher Ambassadors:

● Seema Anand, Gifted Education at Culbreath Middle School (Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools)

● Dr. Derricke Black, Alternative Learning Program Teacher (Camden County Schools)

● Kristen Cogdill, Second Grade Teacher at Cullowhee Valley School (Jackson County Schools)

● Jake Cottle, Social Studies Teacher at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology (Brunswick County Schools)

● Brandon Dillman, Onslow County Schools Science Coordinator (Onslow County Schools)

● Dr. Kelly Norton Pipes, Biology Teacher and Wilkes Early College High School (Wilkes County Schools)

● Garrett Eder, Social Studies Teacher at Granville Central Middle (Granville County Schools

● Bradley Hodges, Social Studies Teacher at Charles P. Murray Middle (New Hanover County Schools)

● Chanel Jones, Social Studies Teacher at Broadview Middle (Alamance-Burlington Schools)

●· Holly Kolarova, ESL Teacher at Henderson County Innovative High School (Henderson County Schools)

● Melodi Lowery, Biology and Environmental Science at Purnell Swett High School (Robeson County Schools)

● Edwin Makini, Fifth Grade Teacher at Cumberland Mills Elementary (Cumberland County Schools)

● Hannah Moon, ELA Teacher at EA Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)

● Rebekah Morse, Third Grade Teacher at Polk Central Elementary (Polk County Schools)

● Quintin Neal, Arts Educator at Bugg Magnet Elementary (Wake County Schools)

● Jennifer Nichols, Spanish Teacher at Harris Road Middle (Cabarrus County Schools)

● Melia Stover, Math Teacher at Fred T. Foard High School (Catawba County Schools)

● Jon Tyus, Social Studies Teacher at J.D. Clement Early College High School (Durham Public Schools)

● Danielle Warren, Social Studies Teacher at Iredell Charter Academy of Arts and Science

● Ellen Wood, First Grade Teacher at Third Creek Elementary (Iredell-Statesville Schools)

The DNCR Teacher Ambassadors program exemplifies DNCR's commitment to public education and the value of North Carolina's state parks, museums, historic sites, and cultural resources as living classrooms. For more information about the DNCR Teacher Ambassador program and the teachers selected, visit the DNCR Teacher Ambassadors page.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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