Cumberland County Schools is proud to announce that Haleigh Baker, the district's 2025 Beginning Teacher of the Year, was recently selected as a finalist for the  North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching's (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

A nomination form submitted on behalf of the Cumberland International Early College High School (CIECHS) math teacher highlighted that Baker exudes genuine enthusiasm for teaching and demonstrates a deep passion for her subject matter. Her contagious love for learning serves as an inspiration to her students.

The nominator praised Baker's remarkable confidence as a beginning teacher, stating: "Most importantly, she [Baker] is confident in her ability to break content into manageable, attainable pieces, which, in turn, fuels her confidence that her students can succeed. Her unwavering belief in them shifts their mindsets and sparks their belief in themselves."

On March 27, Baker will join the other award finalists at a special ceremony on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro for the announcement of the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award recipient.

Welcome to Cumberland County Schools
Where We Believe in Supporting Beginning Teachers for
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
“Success Unlimited with Cumberland County’s Entry Support System”

One of Cumberland County’s goals is to recruit, select, develop and retain the best personnel. Your success as an educator is important to us. This year will be filled with many rewards and challenges. SUCCESS, Success Unlimited with Cumberland County’s Entry Support System, an induction program, is organized to provide support to our new professionals.

Goals of SUCCESS:

• To assist the new teacher in developing decision-making skills to include: positive expectations for all students, techniques in competent classroom management, skills in lesson planning and techniques for effective instruction.

• To establish a collaborative professional team responsible for providing assistance and support.

• To increase career commitment and retention of initially licensed teachers.

• To meet mandated requirements related to induction and certification.

• To transmit the culture of the school and system.

Watch this video to learn about the Premier Professionals who recently completed the Beginning Teacher’s Program!

• Beginning Teacher Homepage

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• Meet the Team

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• Beginning Teacher Orientation

396 Elementary Dr.
Fayetteville, NC

Phone: 910-678-2708
Fax: 910-678-2598

Staff Directory

Yimiya Pearson
Director

Kari Grates
Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator