Chaloner Middle School Band Director Christian Boletchek has been selected as a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching Empower Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. 

Boletcheck was previously named the RRGSD 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year and is in his second year with CMS. 

“I am very proud of Mr. Boletchek and we are fortunate to have him in our district. He is a phenomenal teacher and is so deserving of this award,” stated Superintendent Julie Thompson. 

Ratasha Benton-Manley was selected as a finalist in Northampton County

Twenty-seven teachers from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching Empower Beginning Teacher of the Year Award for their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to achieve.

One of these educators will be named the 2023 NCCAT Empower Beginning Teacher of the Year. 

The award will be presented March 9 at the NCCAT Cullowhee Campus.

“We appreciate the enthusiastic response from all over the state for the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “These finalists provide a snapshot of the lasting impact great teachers have on our students from the first to the last day they step into a North Carolina public school. We are excited about this opportunity to honor teachers for the important work they do in our state.”

The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year will receive:

$2,000 cash prize

Finalists will receive

• Travel expenses and substitute costs for regional finalists to participate in NCCAT