2025 Teacher of the Year – Kristen Spell
Kristen Spell is honored to represent NCVPS as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Kristen has been teaching Middle and High School Sciences with NCVPS for two and a half years and is a passionate educator. She has been a part of the NCVPS launch of the In Real Time (IRT) program and is also 6th Grade Science Course Lead and a Mentor with NCVPS.
Kristen’s experience at NCVPS has made her believe that the key to creating successful schools with thriving classrooms and confident teachers is directly related to leadership opportunities.
Kristen grew up in Clinton, North Carolina, and graduated from North Carolina State University in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Science Education and is a licensed 6-12 Science teacher. After graduation, she taught 8th grade science for 5 years at Hobbton Middle School and was the 2017-18 Teacher of the Year. She then taught High School Chemistry and other sciences at Harrells Christian Academy for 4 years. Currently, she serves as a middle school science teacher in the NCVPS IRT program, where she continues to inspire students with her dedication to learning and education.
In addition to her teaching career, she was honored as a recipient of the North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship, an achievement that helped shape her commitment to the field. She also serves as Chaplain in the Alpha Pi chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Educational Sorority.
Outside of the classroom, Kristen is actively involved in her church. She and her husband, Justin are both ordained ministers with the North Carolina International Pentecostal Holiness Church and have served as Youth Pastors at The Journey Church in Dunn, NC. She also loves to sing and has sung the National Anthem at a Durham Bulls game. Kristen has been married to her husband, Justin for 11 years and together they have three boys. Her diverse interests and experiences reflect her commitment to both personal growth and giving back to those around her.
2009 – 2024 TOY Recipients:
| 2009 – Mike Shumake | 2017 – Teryn Odom |
| 2010 – Julie Riggins | 2018 – Coston Daughtery |
| 2011 – Emily Parrish | 2019 – Sarah Johnson |
| 2012 – Leslie Fetzer | 2020 – Alexa Haselhorst |
| 2013 – Jen Currin | 2021 – Joy Crosby |
| 2014 – Maria Topliff | 2022 – Angela Haynes |
| 2015 – Jessica Ludders | 2023 – Robert Leichner |
| 2016 – Crystal Pullen | 2024 – Ann Spencer |
Interested in Learning More?
Are you an NCVPS teacher who is passionate about virtual education? Click the button below to learn more about the Teacher of the Year process.
