Margaret Kepner Distinguished Service Award
Annual award given to a teacher with over ten years of experience in CHCCS with a commitment to excellence in and beyond the classroom, community involvement, growth mindset, and public education advocacy.
Current Honoree
Whitney Maxwell
Morris Grove Elementary
Year Awarded: 2025
16-year CHCCS educator recognized for her inclusive, student-centered teaching and leadership in literacy, equity, and curriculum innovation that strengthens both students and the broader school community.
Current Honoree
Shawna Catlett
Ephesus Elementary
Year Awarded: 2025
28-year CHCCS educator known for her deep commitment to students, creative and engaging instruction, and inspiring professionalism, empathy, and support of colleagues.
Current PSF Teaching Chairs
Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School English or Social Studies
Awarded to outstanding high school English or Social Studies teachers with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a two-year cycle.
Current Chair
Kathryn Edelstein
Chapel Hill High
Years Held: 2026-2027
"I believe in the power of engaging and transformative humanities education and feel grateful to teach in a district that shares that vision."
Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Secondary Teacher in Math or Science
Awarded to a beginning middle or high school Math or Science teacher (less than three years of experience). Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Emma Dove
Chapel Hill High
Years Held: 2026-2028
"I can't wait to continue my career inspiring students and molding them into the next generation of scientists!"
Elmo’s Chair for Excellence in Teaching High School Math or Science
Awarded to outstanding high school Mathematics or Science teachers with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a two-year cycle.
Current Chair
Rebecca Adcock
East Chapel Hill High
Years Held: 2025-2026
"For the rest of my career, I hope to continue to engage my students with labs and activities that use a wide range of technology and vernier probeware."
GlaxoSmithKline Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Science or Math
Awarded to outstanding middle school Science or Math teachers with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a two-year cycle.
Current Chair
Morgan Hogan
Culbreth Middle
Years Held: 2026-2028
"My passion for public education started at a very young age ... The support and guidance I have received from my colleagues and students has played a pivotal role in shaping the educator I have become."
Kim Hoke Chair for Excellence in Teaching Exceptional Children
Awarded to certified Exceptional Children classroom teachers with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Eimy Rivas Plata
Phillips Middle
Years Held: 2025-2027
"I support each student on their unique path—with energy, compassion, and the kind of encouragement that reminds them they matter."
Mary U. Andrews Chair for Excellence in Teaching Literacy
Awarded to outstanding reading specialists, literacy coaches, or media specialists with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Melissa Lenn Graham
Culbreth Middle
Years Held: 2025-2026
"From the first story that sparked my imagination to the countless pages shared with students and fellow readers, I’ve seen how literacy can inspire, connect, and transform lives."
Mel and Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Healthful Living and Physical Education
Awarded to outstanding K–12 teachers of healthful living and/or physical education with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Stefanie Hanne
Phillips Middle
Years Held: 2024-2026
“I am committed to continuing to inspire and empower my students to lead active and healthy lives.”
Neil Pedersen Teachers First Chair for Excellence in Classroom Technology
Awarded to a Career and Technical Education teacher demonstrating excellence in technology instruction with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Patricia Berge
East Chapel Hill High
Years Held: 2024-2026
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue inspiring and empowering my students through the transformative power of technology.”
PSF Chair for Excellence in Teaching Cultural Arts
Awarded to outstanding Arts teachers at any grade level with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Rody J. Huertas
Frank Porter Graham Elementary
Years Held: 2026-2029
"I carry this role with deep gratitude and a continued dedication to creating meaningful, joyful learning experiences that center diverse voices and experiences, because being an educator never feels like work when it is part of who you are"
Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching Primary Grades (preK-2)
Awarded to outstanding teachers in grades PreK–2 with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a two-year cycle.
Current Chair
Natalie Faircloth
McDougle Elementary
Years Held: 2026-2028
"Fostering relationships and learning for children is a privilege. Every year, all of us who work in schools have the opportunity to make sure each child in our charge feels valued, empowered, and loved so they can accomplish all they are put on this Earth to do. "
Sterling and Anita Hennis Chair for Promising New Secondary Teachers of English/Language Arts or Social Studies
Awarded to a beginning middle or high school English/Language Arts or Social Studies teacher (less than three years of experience). Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Lauren Oliver
Culbreth Middle
Years Held: 2024-2026
“I am excited to use this position to connect with others and grow a platform to uplift student voices and continue to help build spaces for equitable education for all within our community.”
Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation
Awarded to innovative teachers in grades 3–5 with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a two-year cycle.
Current Chair
Ashley Quick-Hooker
Northside Elementary
Years Held: 2025-2026
"As Maya Angelou once said, 'When you learn, teach. When you get, give.' I look forward to continuing to do both."
Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Language Arts or Social Studies
Awarded to outstanding middle school Language Arts or Social Studies teachers with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a two-year cycle.
Current Chair
Kelly Fox
Phillips Middle
Years Held: 2025-2026
"Teaching has always been more than a job, it’s been my passion and purpose, and this acknowledgment reminds me why I continue to show up every day for my students"
Zora Rashkis Chair for Excellence in Teaching World Language
Awarded to licensed World Language teachers in grades K–12 (excluding Dual Language teachers) with three or more full years of teaching in CHCCS in their current position. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Angela Kileff Hill
Carrboro High School
Years Held: 2026-2029
"[I am grateful for] my students: you are the reason this work is so rewarding and worthwhile. In the words of Borges, “I am all the writers that I have read, all the people that I have met, all the [folks] that I have loved; all the cities I have visited.”
Zora Rashkis Chair for Promising New Elementary School Teacher
Awarded to a beginning teacher (less than three years of experience) teaching grades PreK–5. Presented on a three-year cycle.
Current Chair
Toni Jeter
Northside Elementary
Years Held: 2025-2027
"I’m committed to building a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered — especially those who too often go unseen."
