Past Teaching Chair Recipients

Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children

(Replaced the Public School Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children, awarded 2006-2015, listed under Past Awards) 

• Eimy Rivas Plata, Phillips Middle School, 2025-27
• Mary Naylor, Northside Elementary School 2022-24
• Melissa Barry, Carrboro High School, 2019-21
• Denise Keene, Smith Middle School, 2016-18

Mary U. Andrews Chair for Excellence in Teaching Literacy

• Melissa Lenn Graham, Culbreth Middle School, 2025-26
• Mary Alicia Lyons, Morris Grove Elementary, 2022-24
• Kathryn Cole, Northside Elementary, 2019-21

Mel and Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Healthful Living and Physical Education

• Stefanie Hanne, Phillips Middle School, 2024-2026
• Lisa Frangipane, Morris Grove Elementary, 2021-2023
• Mackenzie Casey , Smith Middle, 2017-20

PSF Chair for Excellence in Teaching the Cultural Arts

• Rody J. Huertas, Frank Porter Graham Elementary, 2026-2029
• Shelia Fleming, Scroggs Elementary, 2023-25
• Corrie Franklin, Chapel Hill High/Culbreth, 2020-22
• Ann Daaleman, Phillips Middle, 2017-19
• Jack Watson, Chapel Hill High, Art, 2013-15
• Tom Drago, Chapel Hill High, Drama, 2010-12
• Angela Kileff, Chapel Hill High, Spanish, 2007-09
• Marilyn Meltzer, Chapel Hill High, German, 2004-06
• Gloria Van Dam, Chapel Hill High, French, 2001-03
• Pam Pate, Chapel Hill High, Art, 1998-20
• Ken Stewart, Chapel Hill High, Spanish, 1995-97
• Sandy Williamson, Chapel Hill High, Spanish, 1992-94

Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching World Language

• Angela Kileff Hill, Carrboro High, 2026-2029
• Susan Meyer, Culbreth Middle, 2023-2025

Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Secondary
Teachers in Math or Science

• Emma Dove, Chapel Hill High School, 2026-2029
• Courtney Byrd, Chapel Hill High School, 2023-25
• Christine Sudzina Schut, East Chapel Hill High, 2020-22
• Morgan May, Science, Culbreth Middle, 2016-18
• Katherine Whittington, Math, Phillips Middle, 2013-15
• Daniel Murphy, Science, East Chapel Hill High, 2010-12
• Rebecca Hite Mercadoocasio, Science, Chapel Hill High, 2006-08
• Darryl Piggott, East Chapel Hill High, 2003-05
• Jason Curtis, Physics, Chapel Hill High, 2000-02

Sterling and Anita Hennis Chair for Promising New Secondary
Teachers in English, Language Arts or Social Studies

• Lauren Oliver, Culbreth Middle, 2024-26
• Emily Shepherd, Culbreth Middle, 2021-23

Zora Rashkis Chair for Promising New Elementary School Teacher

• Toni Jeter, Northside Elementary School, 2025-27
• Molly Kearns, Morris Grove Elementary School, 2022-24

Neil Pedersen Chair for Excellence in Teaching Technology

• Patricia Berge, East Chapel Hill High, 2024-26
• Garrison Reid, Chapel Hill High, 2021-23
• Mike Sharp, CTE, Culbreth Middle, 2018-20
• Jessica Grinnell, Math/AVID, Culbreth, 2016-17
• Candace White, Grade 3, Glenwood Elementary, 2014-15
• Tracey Hartman, Technology Specialist, Morris Grove Elementary, 2012-13
• Amanda Galvin, Science, East Chapel Hill High, 2010-11
• Heather Taxis, Grade 4, Scroggs Elementary, 2008-09
• Stephanie Hebdon, Technology Specialist, McDougle Elementary, 2006-07
• Melinda Fitzgerald, Science, Smith Middle, 2004-06
• Pat Chancer, Grade 3, McDougle Elementary, 2002-03

Elmo’s Diner Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School Math or Science

• Rebecca R. Adcock, East Chapel Hill High School, 2025-26
• Paula Dey, Carrboro High, 2023-24
• Shannon McGinnis, East Chapel Hill High, 2021-22
• Clare Matusevich, Chapel Hill High, 2019-20
• Jay Wilson, ECHHS, 2014-15
• Thomas Brown, Carrboro High, 2011-12
• Kelly Allen, ECHHS, 2009-10
• Maya Merritt, ECHHS, 2005-06
• Susan Neumann, Chapel Hill High, 1995-96
• Judy Jones, Chapel Hill High, 1992-93
• Larry Wakeford, Chapel Hill High, 1989-90
• Bud Stuart, Chapel Hill High, 1986-87

Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School English or Social Studies

• Kathryn Edelstein, East Chapel Hill High, 2026-28
• William Schrader, Chapel Hill High, 2024-25
• Kimberly Jones, Chapel Hill High, 2022-23
• Jamie Fernandez-Schendt, Carrboro High, 2020-21      
• Anthony Swaringen, Carrboro High, 2018-19
• Brian Link, East Chapel Hill High, 2015-16
• Ashley Lang, East Chapel Hill High , 2013-14
• Mary Beth Braker, Carrboro High, 2011-12
• Amanda Galvin, East Chapel Hill High, 2009-10
• Michael Irwin, Chapel Hill High, 2007-08
• Amanda Parker,East Chapel Hill High, 2005-06
• Martha Dill, East Chapel Hill High, 1999-2000
• Pat Brooks, Chapel Hill High, 1997-98
• Pat Detittia, Chapel Hill High, 1995-96
• Susan Oliver, Chapel Hill High, 1993-94
• Judy Haig, Chapel Hill High, 1991-92
• Marjorie Lancaster, Chapel Hill High, 1989-90
• Linda Barnard, Chapel Hill High, 1987-88

GlaxoSmithKline Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Math or Science

• Morgan Hogan, Culbreth Middle, 2026-2028
• Austin Tortorici, Phillips Middle, 2024-25
• LaTekka Lewis, Smith Middle, 2022-23
• Mary Patricia Peres-da-Silva, McDougle Middle, 2020-21
• Molly Caudill, Culbreth Middle, 2018-19
• Nick Von Hoene, Smith, 2015-16
• Danae Shipp, McDougle, 2013-14
• Kelly Sears, Smith, 2010-11
• Fiona Rae, Culbreth, 2007-08
• Patty Berge, McDougle, 2006-07
• Rob Frescoln, Phillips, 2004-05
• Ruben Giral, McDougle, 2000-01
• Priscilla Dennison, McDougle, 1997-98
• Barbara Pedersen, Phillips, 1993-94
• David Jones, Phillips, 1990-91
• Patricia Hicks, Culbreth, 1988-89

Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Language Arts or Social Studies

• Kelly Fox, Phillips Middle, 2025-26
• Miles Chappell, Phillips Middle, 2023-24
• Tony Carter, Smith Middle, 2021-22
• Helen Motta, Culbreth Middle, 2019-20
• George Gilmer, Smith Middle, 2016-17
• Erin White, Smith Middle, 2014-15
• Jennifer Scott, Phillips Middle, 2012-13
• Christina Atack, McDougle Middle , 2011-12
• Jessica Benninger, Culbreth Middle, 2009-10
• Ann Collins, Culbreth Middle, 2007-08
• Rebecca Campbell, Phillips Middle, 2005-06
• Jean Simons, Smith Middle, 2003-04
• Mary Harris, Phillips Middle, 2001-02
• Barbara Murray, Phillips Middle, 1999-2000
• Jami Burns, McDougle Middle, 1997-98
• Dorothy Works, McDougle Middle, 1995-96
• Jean Parrish, Phillips Middle, 1993-94
• Anne Browning, Phillips Middle, 1992-93
• Mary Gunderson, Culbreth Middle, 1991-92
• Pat Brooks, Phillips Middle, 1991-92

Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching the Primary Grades PreK-2nd

• Natalie Faircloth, McDougle Elementary, 2026-28
• Laura Harris, Rashkis Elementary, 2024-25
• Lisa Dunn, Carrboro Elementary, 2022-23
• Ronetta Walker, Northside Elementary, 2020-21
• Amy Brazaski, Morris Grove Elementary, 2018-19
• Ashley Laver, Kindergarten, Rashkis, 2013-14
• Suzanne Stokes, Grade 1, FPG, 2011-12
• Toni De Marco, Grade K, Morris Grove, 2009-10
• Karoline Matthewson, Grade 2, Ephesus, 2007-08
• Coretta Sharpless, Grade 1, Carrboro, 2005-06
• Brenda Ankney Stephans, Grade K, Carrboro, 2003-04
• Pam Peterson, Grade 2-3, Mary Scroggs, 2001-02
• Faye Barker, Grade 2, Rashkis, 1999-2001
• Emily Bivins, Grade 1, McDougle, 1998-99
• Karen Reid, Grade K, McDougle, 1996-97
• Pat Chancer, Grade 3, FPG, 1995-96
• Janice Croasmun, Grade 2, Carrboro, 1994-95
• Ann Overton, Grade 1, Ephesus, 1993-94

Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation – Grades 3-5

• Ashley Quick-Hooker, Northside, 2025-26
• Jasmine Johnson, Grade 5, Mary Scroggs,  2023-24
• Toni Lehman, Grade 5, McDougle, 2021-22
• Kathryn Cobb, McDougle, Grade 5, 2019-20
• Candace Crothers, Grade 3, Glenwood, 2016-17
• Lauren Boening, Grade 3, Morris Grove, 2014-15
• Tate Little, Grade 5, Carrboro, 2012-13
• Elizabeth Meunier, Grade 4, Carrboro, 2010-11
• Claire Nelson, Grade 3, Rashkis, 2008-09
• Katherine Andrews, Grade 5, McDougle, 2006-07
• Ursula Carswell, Grade 4, McDougle, 2004-05
• Helen Maxwell, Grade 3, Carrboro, 2002-03
• Jeannette Blackwell, Grade 5, McDougle, 2000-01
• Diane Leusky, Grade 4, Ephesus, 1998-99
• Arlene Rosenfeld, Grade 3, Seawell, 1996-97