Six adults stand smiling together in front of student art. One individual is holding a framed certificate.

West Bladen High School Educator Elizabeth Roberson Named Finalist for 2027 NC Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year

Bladen County Schools

September 23, 2026

Bladen County Schools is proud to celebrate West Bladen High School Business Education teacher Elizabeth Roberson, who has been selected as a finalist for the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Roberson was recognized during Monday evening’s Bladen County Board of Education meeting by Dr. Brock Womble, Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT). Dr. Womble presented Roberson with a certificate recognizing her as a finalist and highlighted her contributions to Career and Technical Education and the positive impact she has on students and the Bladen County community.

Adults stand together smiling in boardroom.

“On behalf of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, it is my privilege to announce that Elizabeth Roberson, a Business Education teacher at West Bladen High School, has been selected as a finalist,” Dr. Womble said. “This recognition highlights Ms. Roberson’s exceptional contributions to CTE and her impact on the students and community here in Bladen County.”

The Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award was established to celebrate the innovation, leadership and dedication of CTE educators across North Carolina. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in preparing students for college and career pathways while helping address the workforce development needs of their communities.

As a finalist, Roberson will participate in a week of professional development in October, during which finalists will take part in interviews and portfolio reviews as part of the selection process for the 2027 North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year.

All finalists will be celebrated at an NCCAT recognition event on October 29 at the Concord Convention Center in Concord, North Carolina, where the 2027 CTE Teacher of the Year will be announced.

Dr. Womble also recognized Chris Orrock, principal of West Bladen High School, and Dana Mize, Bladen County Schools’ Director of Career and Technical Education, for their support of Roberson. Amanda Dixon of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was also in attendance to honor and support Roberson.

“CTE educators play an important role in helping students see the connection between what they learn in the classroom and the opportunities available to them beyond high school,” said Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson. “We are incredibly proud of Ms. Roberson and the dedication she brings to her students, her school and our community. Her selection as a finalist is a tremendous honor for West Bladen High School and Bladen County Schools.”

Roberson’s recognition shines a spotlight on the vital work of Career and Technical Education teachers throughout North Carolina. Through Business Education, students develop practical knowledge and skills that can help prepare them for college, careers, entrepreneurship and future workforce opportunities.

NCCAT is committed to advancing teaching as both an art and a profession. Dr. Womble described Roberson as a “shining example” of that mission as he congratulated her on being selected as a finalist.

Bladen County Schools congratulates Elizabeth Roberson on this outstanding achievement and wishes her continued success as she moves forward in the selection process for the 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.