Meet the Piedmont-Triad's finalist for the 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year

Every year, since 1970, North Carolina has recognized an outstanding educator through its Teacher of the Year program. On April 11, a committee will choose one of nine finalists, each from different regions across the state, to receive the honor. Representing the Piedmont-Triad is Chanel Jones, a middle school teacher in the Alamance-Burlington School System. 

WFDD’s Amy Diaz spoke with Jones about her experience over the last eight years as an educator, and what this recognition means to her. 

Interview Highlights

On why she became a teacher:

"My mother was an educator in Alamance-Burlington School System, and her mother was an educator at Alamance-Burlington School System. And so my mother passed away when I was young. She taught at Turrentine Middle, and I just remember going in there and seeing the desk and like, smelling the gym, and I was like, I have to become an educator. But then, you know, life happens, and things changed, and I changed a different major. I went the sociology route, just to study society in general, and I always worked with children. And then I was just like, 'Wait, you know exactly what you need to do.' And I made my way back home." 

On her education role models: 

“Definitely my mom. When she passed, I was five years old. And so you think that there's not a lot of memories that you have, but I remember a lot about the woman that she was. And then my educators when I was in elementary school, helped me get through her passing, especially Ms. Pruitt, she was one that helped as much as she could. Even my bus driver, I remember helping me and she came out to the house after my mother passed. So those people inspired me because they were there for you, not just about teaching you what was going on in the class, but just trying to heal your heart. And so that kind of steered me to where I am now because I wanted to be that champion for my kids, and if they were going through anything, whether it be personal or just finding who they are, I wanted to be that person that will help them through that, just like I had those educators that helped me.”

On how she supports her students: 

"The very first day of school, I tell them, 'This is a family. I'm Mama Bear, and y'all are my babies. I'm going to make sure I protect you like you're my own while you're here.' I noticed about a year and a half ago, my students, some of them didn't have as much self-esteem, or they were getting bullied, and a lot of it had to do with their clothing. So one day, I brought in two baskets, and I said, 'I'm going to wash your clothes, you put them in there, bring them back the next day, and so they're not going to be gone long, and I’ll sew up any holes that you have.' ... Because I know what it feels like maybe not having the money right now to go wash your clothes or don't want to inconvenience anyone. When this all began, I started out with consistently, like six students, then it turned into 32 and now I've probably served over 60 different students." 

On the impact the laundry service has had on students: 

“The first year that I started the laundry service, one of my babies saw that a student was in need, and they needed a book bag. And the next day, she had a book bag. She had some clothes in it that she didn't need anymore, a pair of shoes and school supplies. I feel like if you see a lot of people who are giving back, then that becomes the norm. So I’ve seen that changing, and they're ready and eager to help out wherever possible when they see someone struggling.”

On being named the Piedmont Triad's 2025 Teacher of the Year: 

"It is a surreal experience. It is humbling, and you're grateful, and then there's like a little bit of imposter syndrome that creeps in, and getting to see my babies experience all of this, has been really phenomenal. And just knowing that I have a platform now that I can speak for my students and advocate for them and advocate for other educators, that has been the biggest blessing. It continues to hit you along the way." 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.