Fifth grade teacher from Bethel Elementary, Lena Dallas has been named a finalist for NCCAT’s
Beginning Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional early-career
educators across North Carolina.
Each year, more than 7,000 new teachers step into classrooms across the state. According to Dr.
Karen Sumner of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), Lena
Dallas has risen as “one of the best of the best.”
Dr. Sumner visited the February meeting of the Haywood County School Board to personally
present the recognition, and what she shared about Dallas left no doubt as to why she was
selected.
“Sometimes you meet people who you’re just fascinated by because they are absolutely
mesmerizing,” Dr. Sumner said. “They bring people in. When you see people like that who can
do that with children, it’s just a beautiful thing to watch. Well, I just got to see that with your
Beginning Teacher finalist.” She went on to describe a simple but powerful moment in the
hallway before the meeting began. “This two- or three-year-old wanted to hold her hand in the
hallway, and she took it and began teaching her. That’s when you know you have the heart and
spirit of a teacher.”
That heart for teaching has been evident in Dallas long before she began her career in Haywood
County.
A Florida native, Dallas spent part of her childhood on Little Gasparilla Island, a bridgeless
barrier island accessible only by boat. Homeschooled by her mother, Laura Dallas, a former art
history professor, Lena received a strong academic foundation while also being encouraged to
deeply explore her interests. One of those interests was sea turtles.
As a teenager, she volunteered alongside her mother with the Florida Wildlife Commission
during nesting season, walking the beach at 6 a.m., identifying turtle nests, collecting data, and
protecting endangered species. When curious onlookers gathered, Dallas found herself answering
questions and sharing information.
It was on those early morning patrols that she realized teaching was her calling.
A 2024 graduate of Harding University with a degree in Elementary Education, Dallas credits
her higher education, meaningful field experiences, and internship opportunities with preparing
her for the classroom. Today, she brings that same hands-on curiosity and passion for learning to
her students at Bethel Elementary.
Dallas hopes her students remember more than lessons or grades. “I want them to remember that
I truly cared about them as a whole person,” she shares. “School is about more than academics.
It’s about helping students become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the world
beyond high school.”
Collaboration and mentorship are central to her philosophy. She works closely with colleagues to
analyze student data, design engaging lessons, and meet the diverse needs of learners. She credits
the supportive culture at Bethel Elementary, under the leadership of Principal Amanda Watson,
for providing mentorship and encouragement during her first years in the classroom. “I feel
blessed to work in Haywood County and to teach at Bethel Elementary,” Dallas said. “Beginning
my career here has laid a strong foundation for the rest of my journey.”
She also believes strongly in family partnership. “Education is a partnership,” she says. “Your
involvement matters. Your encouragement matters. Your belief in your child matters. Together,
we are shaping not just learners, but capable, confident individuals.”
Being named an NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year finalist is a remarkable
accomplishment, and a testament to the passion, dedication, and spirit Miss. Dallas brings to her
classroom every single day.
Haywood County Schools is incredibly proud of Lena Dallas and grateful for the heart she shares
with her students at Bethel Elementary.