NCVPS Teacher of the Year Program
The NCVPS Teacher of the Year is a prestigious honor! Annually, a selected Teacher of the Year (TOY) is able to showcase their expertise, passion and skill set. But, they are also able to represent educators across North Carolina on a state-level. This not only shines a light on the individual TOY and their accomplishments, but also on the work NCVPS contributes statewide, and across the nation as well.
Program Goals:
• To recognize and honor teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching;
• To model best practices in teaching;
• To communicate and impact educational issues and policies;
• To build effective partnerships; and
• To advance a communication network among teachers
Teacher of the Year Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of selected Teachers of the Year represent a mixture of outreach, advocacy, and a sincere interest in helping other educators grow. It is also an opportunity for state-level administrators to see and hear about the amazing virtual opportunities students across North Carolina have access to each semester. The TOY responsibilities include:
• Share knowledge of NCVPS initiatives;
• Employ innovative advocacy strategies with stakeholders;
• Build a learning network in collaboration with state agency leaders;
• Influence NCVPS practices and procedures to ensure the continuous improvement of teaching and learning;
• Participate in statewide conferences and events; and
• Represent educators by serving on various boards and/or committees

2026 Teacher of the Year – Chris Williams
Chris Williams has been an educator for 26 years, with ten of those years dedicated to serving students through the North Carolina Virtual Public School, where he also serves as an Instructional Lead. He began his NCVPS career in 2015, teaching blended Biology, and has since taught Earth/Environmental Science and Biology in both virtual and blended settings. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Health with a concentration in Industrial Hygiene, as well as a graduate degree in Science Education. In addition, he is certified to teach AP Biology and AP Environmental Science, which has allowed him to support a wide range of learners at varying levels of academic readiness.
Chris is a National Board Certified Teacher, a distinction that reflects his commitment to high-quality instruction, reflective practice, and student-centered learning. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about helping students build confidence, curiosity, and resilience—skills that are essential in both scientific inquiry and life.
His years of experience in both traditional and virtual classrooms have shaped his belief in the power of flexible, accessible, and relationship-driven instruction, and he is proud to bring that philosophy to his work with NCVPS each day. Outside of education, he has been married for 30 years and is a proud parent of two daughters and one grandson, who inspire him daily.
2009 – 2026 TOY Recipients:
| 2009 – Mike Shumake | 2015 – Jessica Ludders | 2021 – Joy Crosby |
| 2010 – Julie Riggins | 2016 – Crystal Pullen | 2022 – Angela Haynes |
| 2011 – Emily Parrish | 2017 – Teryn Odom | 2023 – Robert Leichner |
| 2012 – Leslie Fetzer | 2018 – Coston Daughtery | 2024 – Ann Spencer |
| 2013 – Jen Currin | 2019 – Sarah Johnson | 2025 – Kristen Spell |
| 2014 – Maria Topliff | 2020 – Alexa Haselhorst | 2026 – Chris Williams |
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.


