Craven County Schools names 2025 Teacher of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year

Craven County Schools announced Margaret James as the 2025 Teacher of the Year and Nanette Waltz as the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year at the district's Red Carpet Gala.

The awards recognized educators for their contributions to students and school communities. During the ceremony, an announcer said a new 2025 car donated by Toyota of New Bern would go to Margaret James.

"I'm excited, but I'm in shock still. I wasn't expecting it. I am not a person that likes the limelight in any way, shape, or form. So yeah. But I'm very excited, and I look forward to hopefully fulfilling my role to the best of my ability as teacher ambassador for Craven County," Margaret James said after being announced as Teacher of the Year.

Nanette Waltz, introduced as the assistant principal of the year, said, "It feels amazing. I've enjoyed working as an assistant principal. I've always enjoyed education. Just knowing that I am there to assist our kids into becoming great citizens and knowing that I'm representing Craven County well is just very exciting. We're changing future generations and lives and it's just really I'm very passionate about it." She added that being nominated was an honor and that assistant principals work long hours to support students and teachers.

The gala presentations focused on individual recognition; there were no policy actions or district decisions announced during the remarks captured in the transcript.

The ceremony highlights the district's annual practice of recognizing outstanding educators and, in this instance, included a donated vehicle from Toyota of New Bern tied to the Teacher of the Year announcement. Details about any prize terms, tax implications, or additional awards were not specified in the transcript.