NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – New Hanover County Schools (NHCS), in partnership with the Wilmington Rotary Club, proudly celebrates the district’s outstanding beginning teachers through the Rookie of the Year program. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional educators in their second and third years of teaching and highlights their dedication, innovation, and impact on student success.
Each finalist was nominated by their school’s administrative team and evaluated by a seven-member committee using a rigorous rubric. The selection process included assessing responses to key questions about teacher retention, student learning, and the broader influence of the NHCS Rookie of the Year.
After a competitive review, five outstanding educators have been named finalists and will move on to the final stage, an interview with the selection committee. The winner will be revealed at the Rookie of the Year Banquet on February 18th.
Earlier today, Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, the NHCS Administrative Leadership, Board of Education members, and Wilmington Rotary Club representatives surprised these incredible educators by visiting their classrooms to share the exciting news!
Meet the 2025 NHCS Rookie of the Year finalists:
Jeff Bell – Career Technical Educator(CTE) Teacher, New Hanover High School - Beginning Teacher 3rd year (BT3)
“Mr. Bell has dedicated his whole self to his school and NHCS, serving as a club advisor, varsity basketball assistant coach, and a mentor for beginning teachers across the district. His welcoming classroom environment fosters a safe space for students, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach and advocacy for student voice.” – Philip Sutton, NHHS Principal
“I create a supportive and cohesive classroom where every student feels valued. A classroom is like a team, and for success, every student must understand their role and expectations.” – Jeff Bell
Mattie Johnson – English Teacher, Ashley High School - Beginning Teacher 3rd Year (BT3)
“Ms. Johnson’s creativity, energy, and ability to foster student discourse set her apart. She is a gifted educator with remarkable pedagogy and classroom management skills. Compared to all teachers I have worked with in Virginia and North Carolina, she is in the top 1%—a truly rare talent for a third-year teacher.” – Michael Perez, Ashley High School Principal
“I fully commit to creating a positive learning environment where students feel safe to engage in discussions, assignments, and projects.” – Mattie Johnson
David Quartuccio – Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher, J.C. Roe Center - Beginning Teacher Year 3 (BT3)
“Mr. Quartuccio is an exceptional educator at our alternative school, known for his unwavering support of students both inside and outside the classroom. His positive interactions and calming presence make a lasting impact. He is always ready to assist other teachers and consistently goes above and beyond for his students.” – Jill Larson, Principal, J.C. Roe
“Setting clear, consistent expectations for behavior and academic performance provides structure, reduces uncertainty, and helps create a safe learning environment.” – David Quartuccio
Lilah Rossell – 1st Grade Teacher, Alderman Elementary - Beginning Teacher Year 3 (BT3)
“Ms. Rossell fosters an inclusive, respectful, and engaging classroom where students feel empowered to learn and grow. Her morning routines set a positive tone, and her warm, encouraging demeanor creates a safe space for students to express themselves and build confidence.” – Bobby Garcia, Principal, Alderman Elementary
“I love helping a student reach that ‘aha!’ moment and seeing their pride when everything clicks.” – Lilah Rossell
Deirdre Taylor – 5th Grade Science Teacher, Holly Tree Elementary - Beginning Teacher Year 2 (BT2)
“Ms. Taylor brings science to life through hands-on experiments, real-world applications, and interactive technology. She differentiates instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students, fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and inspired to explore the wonders of science.” – Justin Zatt, Principal, Holly Tree Elementary
“By building purposeful relationships and teaching with my students’ strengths and interests in mind, I keep them motivated and foster a lifelong love of learning.” – Deirdre Taylor
We would also like to Congratulate all of this year's Rookie of the Year nominees:
|
First Name |
Last Name |
School |
|---|---|---|
|
Kaitlyn |
Ashcraft |
Williston |
|
Jeff |
Bell |
Hanover |
|
Cristina |
Chiang |
Roland - Grise |
|
Katherine |
Chriscoe |
Laney |
|
Kayna |
Emory |
Hoggard |
|
Carly |
Hall |
Sunset Park |
|
Kinnereth |
Huxtable |
Snipes |
|
Mattie |
Johnson |
Ashley |
|
Emma |
Klosterman |
International School at Gregory |
|
Emily |
Kogler |
Winter Park |
|
Nathan |
Kuester |
Myrtle Grove |
|
Madchen |
Lastinger |
Murrayville |
|
Melissa |
Lawrence |
CRECC |
|
Ashton |
Lester |
MC Williams |
|
Addison |
McKinney |
Blair |
|
Rachel |
Neale |
Carolina Beach |
|
Sherre |
Ojeda |
Codington |
|
David |
Quartuccio |
JC Roe |
|
Lilah |
Rossell |
Alderman |
|
Deirdre |
Taylor |
Holly Tree |
|
Brewer |
Tunstall |
Wrightsboro |
|
Breylin |
Young |
Trask |