FLAME FOR LEARNING
“It requires a passion to create lifelong learners. It takes a great deal to not only ignite the flame for learning, but keep it growing into a glowing warm and inviting fire. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what you do every single day.”
-Terri Sessoms
JCPS Retired Educator, First FFLA Recipient and Keynote Speaker
FLAME FOR LEARNING 2026 SEMIFINALISTS
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
Flame for Learning Award Ceremony Recognizes Extraordinary Educators
On April 21, 2026, James Johnson was named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2026 Teacher of the Year during the 32nd Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony. Johnson was one of 20 semifinalists who were honored at the celebration.
Johnson teaches Agricultural Mechanics at North Johnston High and was one of four Flame for Learning Award finalists, which included Moesha Gonzales of Swift Creek Middle, Lena LeBoeuf of Swift Creek Elementary, and Rebecca Reeves of Smithfield-Selma High.
There were 218 nominations for this year’s title, representing 15 schools across the school district. Nearly all semifinalists were first-time nominees, underscoring the depth of outstanding educators across the JCPS team. Nominated by colleagues and administrators, the semifinalists advanced through a blind judging process that included an interview phase and submission of classroom best practices for review.
Held at The Barn at Broadslab in Benson, the event was hosted in partnership with the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers. Friends, family, colleagues, district administrators, board members, sponsors, and stakeholders gathered for the prestigious award ceremony. The event celebrated these exceptional educators and their steadfast commitment to providing JCPS students with a high-quality education.
“My goal is to build confidence, encourage learning through doing, and help students discover rewarding career paths.”
-James Johnson JCPS 2026 Teacher of the Year
The semifinalists and their guests were thanked and congratulated by several speakers, including William Marshall, the 2025 Flame for Learning Award recipient. Marshall is an American History and Economics, and Personal Finance teacher at West Johnston High.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Terri Sessoms, who was the first Flame for Learning Award recipient and a retired JCPS educator with 32 years of experience. Sessoms served the school district as a teacher, administrator, and literacy/curriculum coach across all grade levels. She also served as the JCPS Public Information Officer and on the Johnston County Board of Education from 2018 to 2022, including a tenure as Vice Chair.
Learning to Do, Doing to Learn
2026 Teacher of the Year
James Johnson believes in the National FFA Organization’s motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn. As an Agricultural Mechanics teacher at North Johnston High, Johnson prepares his students for real-world careers in the trades with a classroom that is a fully functioning welding and fabrication shop. His approach gives them handson experience in the field, ensuring they can be successful in the industry of their choice after high school. They also gain familiarity with more than 140 tools, and students can earn valuable certifications that will help them as they decide on a career path.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
Finalists’ Best Practices Shine Brightly
Rebecca Reeves is a World History, IB History, and Theory of Knowledge teacher at SmithfieldSelma High. Reeves’s best practice was titled, Humanized Inquiry: An engagement-driven, experience-based approach to deep historical thinking. Humanized Inquiry is a blended instructional model that uses storytelling, experiential learning, and structured analytical scaffolding to transform students into more confident, critical thinkers.
“When my students step into the shoes of medieval architects constructing castles or debate as Enlightenment thinkers, they are not just learning facts,” Reeves said. “They are learning how to understand perspectives, motivations, and emotions. They begin to practice empathy through history.”
Lena LeBoeuf teaches kindergarten at Swift Creek Elementary. She submitted her best practice entitled, “Conversation Cafe’- Increasing Comprehension Through Conversation, which deepens the level of students’ communication and comprehension skills through purposeful discussion of literature read aloud to them daily.
“With each session, students are enhancing valuable life skills that can be applied beyond our classroom walls. The climate in my classroom is built upon respect and encouragement of one another, which is the foundation of our classroom community,” LeBoeuf remarked.
Moesha Gonzales is a sixth-grade math teacher at Swift Creek Middle and submitted Learning Without Walls: Transformations, Activities, and Problems that Matter as her best practice. Learning Without Walls combines classroom transformations, hands-on activities, small groups, stations, and problem-based learning to create a learning experience students remember even after the topic ends.
“The practice puts students at the center of learning, and they get to move, talk, collaborate, and test ideas that apply to the concepts being taught in situations that provide a real-life feel,” Gonzales said.
Community Partners Continue Support of Educational Excellence
In 1994, the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce adopted the Flame For Learning Award because the chamber believes in the importance of teachers in developing and educating children. That belief continues to support and elevate the teaching profession in Johnston County Public Schools. This award recognizes outstanding creativity and innovation in teachers selected strictly on merit, without regard to school or residence.
Each honoree received a framed Flame for Learning Award certificate and two backpacks filled with donated resources and supplies. Semifinalists additionally received $150, and finalists Reeves, LeBoeuf, and Gonzales each received an award and $500.
As the winner, Johnson received an award, a check worth $200 from Outback Steakhouse in Smithfield, and a $1,000 check from event sponsors. Johnson will represent JCPS in the regional competition for North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year. All monetary awards were made possible thanks to the 2026 Flame For Learning Award sponsors.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
The annual Flame for Learning Award Celebration is a partnership between JCPS and the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers’ sponsors and stakeholders. This year’s program was made possible by several sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor - Chick-fil-A of SmithfieldSelma, Diamond Sponsor - Walmart, Platinum Sponsor - Novo Nordisk, and Gold Sponsor - Coates Hearing Clinic.
Additional sponsors were: Silver Sponsors - Barbetta LLC, Breeden Law Office, Carolina Packers, Inc., Four Oaks Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Canyon Education, KS Bank, Inc., Mitchell Temporary Services, Inc., and Outback Steakhouse, and Bronze Sponsors - Benson Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Coldwell Banker - Beth Watson, Representative Donna McDowell White, and State Employees Credit Union.
On behalf of Johnston County Public Schools, the Johnston County Board of Education, and the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers, congratulations to all of the semifinalists, finalists, and James Johnson, the JCPS Flame for Learning 2026 Teacher of the Year.
20 Semifinalists Recognized as Exceptional Educators
Oscar Anasco ............... Smithfield-Selma High
Hermilo Arbuyes, Jr. ............... Cleveland High
Elma Arquillano Selma Elementary
Courtney Barefoot ............... Meadow School
Amanda Dauphinais ... Innovation Academy
Moesha Gonzales ............. Swift Creek Middle
Darby High ...................................Clayton High
Dorothy Holley ................. West Johnston High
Natalia Jaramillo ............. Cooper Elementary
James Johnson ............... North Johnston High
Alexa Knight .......................... Meadow School
Meagan Leas ............... Archer Lodge Middle
Lena LeBoeuf Swift Creek Elementary
Tracy Mitchell........... East Clayton Elementary
Erica Morse ...................... Polenta Elementary
Rebecca Reeves ......... Smithfield-Selma High
John Ross Robertson ...... South Johnston High
Carlotta Stillings .................. Selma Elementary
Cori Walker...................... South Johnston High
Ana Zuniga ......................... Selma Elementary
“This
celebration is more than a ceremony. It is an opportunity for our entire community to come together in appreciation of the teaching profession and the difference educators make in the lives of students.”
-Dr. David Pearce JCPS Superintendent
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
MEAGAN
LEAS
ARCHER LODGE MIDDLE
Best Practice: Meaningful Movement in Mathematics
Meagan Leas, Math teacher at Archer Lodge Middle, is an innovative and student-centered educator who transforms traditional lessons into active learning experiences. Her best practice, Meaningful Movement in Mathematics, replaces sedentary worksheets with purposeful activities like scavenger hunts and collaborative stations. By allowing students to explore concepts while moving, she increases engagement, discourages digital distractions, and fosters authentic peer conversations. Her dynamic approach enables her to provide targeted support, ensuring students build the confidence and accountability necessary for long-term mathematical success.
DARBY HIGH CLAYTON HIGH
Best Practice: Community-Based Instruction for Life Skills Success
Darby High, Special Education teacher at Clayton High, is a compassionate and practical educator who prepares students for meaningful adult lives. Her best practice, Community-Based Instruction for Life Skills Success, focuses on mastering functional skills in authentic, real-world contexts. By applying personalized instruction during grocery shopping and community navigation, she ensures students develop the independence and self-advocacy needed for a high quality of life. Her dedication to student-centered planning empowers learners to reach their transitional goals, fostering the confidence necessary to lead fulfilling lives beyond graduation.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
HERMILO ARBUYES, JR. CLEVELAND HIGH
Best Practice:
From Inquiry to Exhibition: A Science Fair Model for Authentic Environmental ProblemSolving and School-Based Public Exhibition of Learning
Hermilo Arbuyes, Jr., Math and Science teacher at Cleveland High, is a dedicated professional who transforms scientific inquiry into meaningful, real-world action. His best practice, From Inquiry to Exhibition: A Science Fair Model for Authentic Environmental Problem-Solving and School-Based Public Exhibition of Learning, empowers students to research local environmental challenges and propose evidence-based solutions. Through structured checkpoints and public exhibitions, he builds student confidence and communication skills. His commitment to student-led discovery inspires learners to recognize their potential as influential stewards of their community.
NATALIA JARAMILLO COOPER ACADEMY
Best Practice: Empowering Bilingual Minds Through Metacognitive Strategies and Cross-Cultural Classroom Experiences
Natalia Jaramillo, Third Grade Dual Language teacher at Cooper Academy, is an inspiring educator who enriches student learning through innovation and cultural connection. Her best practice, Empowering Bilingual Minds Through Metacognitive Strategies and Cross-Cultural Classroom Experiences, emphasizes reflection, goal setting, and cross-language connections. She fosters collaboration and family engagement while supporting academic growth and identity development. Her classroom empowers students to become confident, globally minded learners prepared for future success.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
TRACY MITCHELL EAST CLAYTON ELEMENTARY
Best Practice: Embracing Identity through Writing
Tracy Mitchell, Third Grade teacher at East Clayton Elementary, is a dedicated professional who empowers students to embrace their unique identities. Her best practice, Embracing Identity through Writing, guides students through personal compositions titled The Best Part of Me and The Story of My Name. By combining family interviews, research, and artistic expression, she fosters self-pride and builds a supportive classroom community. Her thoughtful approach strengthens essential literacy skills while cultivating the confidence students need to value their own voices and histories.
AMANDA DAUPHINAIS INNOVATION ACADEMY
Best Practice: The Great British Verse Off
Amanda Dauphinais, English Language Arts teacher at Innovation Academy, is an innovative educator who enhances student perceptions of poetry through engaging instruction. Her best practice, The Great British Verse Off, immerses students in a creative and collaborative learning experience that builds confidence and analytical skills. By blending structured analysis with hands-on design and competition, she increases engagement and comprehension. Her approach fosters independence, creativity, and enthusiasm, helping students develop a lasting appreciation for poetry and strengthening their overall literacy skills.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
ALEXA KNIGHT MEADOW SCHOOL
Best Practice: Math Solve and Sketch Showdown
Alexa Knight, 8th Grade Mathematics teacher at Meadow School, is a creative and student-focused educator who fosters both mastery and collaboration. Her best practice, Math Solve & Sketch Showdown, transforms traditional review into an interactive experience that builds accountability, teamwork, and conceptual understanding. By combining problemsolving with creativity, she ensures all students actively participate and take ownership of their learning. Her dynamic approach strengthens skills, builds confidence, and motivates students to succeed.
COURTNEY BAREFOOT MEADOW SCHOOL
Best Practice: Creating Inclusive and Supportive Environments
Courtney Barefoot, Special Education teacher at Meadow School, is a compassionate and innovative educator whose dedication makes her highly deserving of this recognition. Her best practice, Creating Inclusive and Supportive Environments, reflects her commitment to building strong relationships with students and families. She designs individualized, hands-on experiences that support academic, social, and emotional growth. Through thoughtful differentiation and collaboration, she ensures each child feels valued and capable, creating a classroom where all students can thrive.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
JAMES JOHNSON NORTH JOHNSTON HIGH
Best Practice: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn
James Johnson, Agricultural Mechanics Teacher at North Johnston High, is a resilient and dedicated educator who prioritizes hands-on mastery and professional growth. His best practice, Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, transforms his classroom into a fully operational welding and fabrication shop. Students engage in every aspect of the trade, from quoting jobs to utilizing state-ofthe-art CNC plasma technology. By earning industry-recognized certifications and overcoming fears of complex machinery, his students build the confidence and technical expertise required to enter the workforce as successful, skilled professionals. Mr. Johnson was the recipient of the 2026 Flame for Learning Award.
ERICA MORSE POLENTA ELEMENTARY
Best Practice: Neural Downshifting
Erica Morse, Third Grade teacher at Polenta Elementary, is a thoughtful educator who prioritizes both academic success and student well-being. Her best practice, Neural Downshifting, creates a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Through intentional routines, relationship building, and mindfulness strategies, she helps students manage emotions and stay engaged. Her approach reduces barriers to learning, promotes confidence, and fosters resilience, ensuring all students can access rigorous instruction and achieve meaningful growth.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
ANA ZUNIGA
SELMA ELEMENTARY
Best Practice:
Building Responsibility and Belonging through Weekly Classroom Jobs
Ana Zuniga, First Grade teacher at Selma Elementary, is a compassionate and inclusive educator who transforms her classroom into a sanctuary of trust and growth. Her best practice, Building Responsibility and Belonging through Weekly Classroom Jobs, utilizes peer responsibilities to normalize diverse needs and build student confidence. By celebrating individual contributions and fostering a sense of belonging, she helps learners overcome daily struggles and language barriers. Her dedication to being an example of possibility empowers students to envision and achieve their future dreams.
CARLOTTA STILLINGS SELMA ELEMENTARY
Best Practice:
Enhancing Multilingual Learner’s Communication and Collaboration through Student Role-Playing
Carlotta Stillings, Multilingual Support teacher at Selma Elementary, is an empathetic and creative educator who bridges language barriers through innovative instruction. Her best practice, Enhancing Multilingual Learners’ Communication and Collaboration through Student Role-Playing, utilizes structured real-life scenarios to develop oral language and social-emotional skills. By providing color-coded role cards, sentence frames, and modeling, she creates a low-risk environment where students gain confidence in their verbal expression. Her focus on authentic interaction empowers multilingual learners to find their voice and become confident leaders within their school community.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
ELMA ARQUILLANO
SELMA ELEMENTARY
Best Practice: Together We Grow: A Guided Path from Personalized Support to Group Learning Success
Elma Arquillano, Exceptional Children’s teacher at Selma Elementary, is a dedicated educator whose structured and studentcentered approach drives meaningful success. Her best practice, Together We Grow: A Guided Path from Personalized Support to Group Learning Success, highlights her intentional progression from individualized instruction to group learning. She builds confidence, communication, and independence through visual support, scaffolding, and consistent routines. Her work creates a predictable environment where students feel secure, engaged, and empowered to succeed.
REBECCA REEVES SMITHFIELD-SELMA HIGH
Best Practice: Humanized Inquiry: An Engagement-Driven, Experience-Based Approach to Deep Historical Thinking
Rebecca Reeves, World History, IB History, and Theory of Knowledge teacher at Smithfield-Selma High School, is an engaging and thoughtful educator who inspires deep learning and critical thinking. Her best practice, Humanized Inquiry: An Engagement-Driven, Experience-Based Approach to Deep Historical Thinking, connects historical content to real human experiences. She integrates storytelling, structured analysis, and experiential learning to strengthen literacy and confidence. Her commitment to rigor and empathy cultivates curious, compassionate learners prepared to think critically beyond the classroom. Ms. Reeves was a finalist for the 2026 Flame for Learning Award.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
OSCAR ANASCO
SMITHFIELD-SELMA HIGH
Best Practice:
Estaciones para hablar
Oscar Anasco, Spanish teacher at Smithfield-Selma High, is a dynamic and student-centered educator who prioritizes communicative confidence in the world language classroom. His best practice, Estaciones para hablar, provides structured, low-anxiety station rotations that encourage authentic verbal participation. By integrating visual prompts, music, and peer interaction, he ensures each student practices Spanish in a collaborative and supportive environment. His commitment to equitable participation and autonomy strengthens pronunciation and builds the essential skills students need to communicate effectively in a global society.
CORI
WALKER
SOUTH JOHNSTON HIGH
Best Practice: The Ultimate Power Play: A Student-Led Energy Tournament
Cori Walker, Science teacher at South Johnston High, is a vibrant and studentfocused educator who transforms the learning experience through active participation. Her best practice, The Ultimate Power Play: A Student-Led Energy Tournament, utilizes classroom debates and persuasive writing to explore global sustainability. By connecting scientific inquiry to local policy and civic engagement, she helps students discover their potential as informed, influential citizens. Her dynamic approach results in increased confidence and a lasting impact, ensuring every child feels capable of contributing to meaningful community decision-making.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
JOHN ROSS ROBERTSON SOUTH JOHNSTON HIGH
Best Practice:
Talking Tree Trail Project
John Ross Robertson, Agriculture teacher at South Johnston High, is a visionary and practical educator who bridges the gap between classroom content and professional leadership. His best practice, Talking Tree Trail Project, transforms an underused campus trail into a living laboratory where students apply dendrology and ecology concepts. By designing interactive QR codes and collaborating on trail infrastructure, students transition from passive learners to environmental experts. His commitment to student-led growth fosters exceptional confidence, empowering learners to become influential leaders within their communities and the forestry industry.
LENA LEBOEUF SWIFT CREEK ELEMENTARY
Best Practice: Conversation Café- Increasing Comprehension through Conversation
Lena Leboeuf, Kindergarten teacher at Swift Creek Elementary, is a dedicated educator who fosters strong communication and comprehension skills in her students. Her best practice, Conversation Café-Increasing Comprehension through Conversation, creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage in purposeful dialogue around literature. Through structured discussions, read-alouds, and collaborative learning, she strengthens vocabulary, critical thinking, and oral expression. Her intentional approach builds confidence, supports diverse learners, and cultivates a classroom community where students actively share ideas and deepen understanding. Ms. LeBoeuf was a finalist for the 2026 Flame for Learning Award.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
MOESHA GONZALES SWIFT CREEK MIDDLE
Best Practice:
Learning Without Walls: Transformations, Activities and Problems that Matter
Moesha Gonzales, Sixth Grade Math teacher at Swift Creek Middle, is an inspiring and dedicated educator who empowers her students to achieve their highest potential. Her best practice, Learning Without Walls: Transformations, Activities, and Problems That Matter, utilizes immersive classroom transformations and manipulatives to make complex math concepts accessible. By designing experiences where students take on professional roles, she builds their confidence and academic identity. Her student-centered approach fosters a supportive space where every learner feels capable of success. Ms. Gonzales was a finalist for the 2026 Flame for Learning Award.
DOROTHY HOLLY WEST JOHNSTON HIGH
Best Practice:
A Place at the Table - Teaching the Periodic Table in a Global Context
Dorothy Holly, Science teacher at West Johnston High School, is a visionary educator who connects academic content to realworld understanding. Her best practice, A Place at the Table-Teaching the Periodic Table in a Global Context, expands learning beyond traditional instruction by integrating global perspectives and cultural connections. Through collaborative projects and real-world applications, she fosters critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. Her approach empowers students to see the relevance of science while developing the skills needed to engage thoughtfully in an interconnected world.
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
2026 FLAME FOR LEARNING AWARD CEREMONY
JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Richard Carr | Chief of Communication and Family Engagement
Majena Howell | Printing Services Manager
Matthew Morris | Communication and Marketing Coordinator
Tracey Clark | District Parent and Community Engagement Liaison and Special Events Coordinator
Robin Koppen | Communication Specialist
Keosha Faison | Graphic Design Specialist
Kaitlyn Gray | Multimedia Production Specialist
View the Flame for Learning Award Ceremony recap video HERE!
JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. David Pearce, Superintendent
JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Lyn Andrews, Chair | Kevin Donovan, Vice-Chair
Michelle Antoine | Kay Carroll | April Lee
Jeff Sullivan | Terry Tippett
The Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony is hosted by the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers.
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce: Kelly Wallace, President and CEO
Benson Area Chamber of Commerce: Loretta Byrd, President and CEO
Clayton Chamber of Commerce: Dana Wooten, President and CEO
Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce: Joan Pritchett, Executive Director
Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce: Tom Wood, Executive Director