Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is celebrating a major achievement as Tammy Cox, a Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Cape Fear High School, has been named a finalist for the prestigious North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award.

This recognition places Cox among an outstanding group of 24 district and charter school educators from across North Carolina, each recognized for their excellence in CTE pathways and their commitment to fostering student success.

“Tammy Cox exemplifies the very best of Career and Technical Education,” said Chip Lucas, the executive director of CCS' Career and Technical Education, who also acknowledged Cox as the district's 2025-2026 CTE Teacher of the Year. “Through her engaging classroom instruction and outstanding leadership of the Cape Fear High School DECA chapter, Tammy creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. She challenges students to develop technical knowledge, leadership skills, professionalism and confidence while preparing them for success in college, careers and life. Her commitment to student growth, workforce readiness and career-connected learning has made a lasting impact on countless students.”

Dr. Jason Jordan, Cox's principal, said she brings genuine passion and dedication to everything she does for her students. "Through her Project Management and Hospitality and Tourism classes, she gives students practical skills they can carry with them long after graduation. On top of that, she leads our school's DECA program, going the extra mile to make sure students have every opportunity to grow and succeed."

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 outstanding CTE educators, encourage teacher leadership and emphasize the importance of CTE instruction in North Carolina public schools.

Cox will join other finalists from across the state for a week of professional learning and leadership development from October 26–30, 2026. The award winner will be revealed during a special recognition event on October 29 at the Embassy Suites in Concord, NC.

NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education Teacher of the Year Finalist Tammy Cox