Hickory City Schools is proud to announce that Curtis Morrison, a digital media teacher at Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School, has been named a nominee for the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year Award.
This nomination places Morrison among an outstanding group of educators from across North Carolina, each recognized for their innovation, passion and impact on student success.
"Curtis exemplifies the very best of Career and Technical Education," said Dr. Timothy Sims, director of Career and Technical Education for Hickory City Schools. "He has a remarkable ability to connect with students, challenge them to reach their full potential, and create a classroom environment where creativity and collaboration flourish. Through his guidance, students gain valuable technical skills, professional experience, and the confidence to pursue future opportunities in digital media and beyond. We are proud to see his dedication and impact recognized through this nomination."
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The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE), developed the CTE Teacher of the Year award to honor remarkable CTE educators and emphasize the importance of CTE instruction in North Carolina schools.
From the statewide district and charter school nominees, 24 educators, three from each of North Carolina's eight regions, will be selected as regional finalists through a rigorous portfolio review process. The 24 finalists will attend a week of leadership-focused professional development and attend a recognition event to honor them and announce the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.
"At Hickory City Schools, we are committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life, and educators like Mr. Morrison make that vision a reality every day," said Dr. Jennifer Griffin, superintendent of Hickory City Schools. "Curtis inspires students to discover their talents, think creatively, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. His passion for student success and his commitment to providing authentic, career-focused experiences reflect the very best of Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School and the opportunities we strive to offer every student. We are thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved recognition."
