Teacher of the Year named career development coordinator to guide Brunswick County students

Carrie Babson, the 2025–2026 Brunswick County Schools Teacher of the Year and career development coordinator at West Brunswick High School, said she will use her new countywide role to work directly with students on next-step planning. "I get to meet with all of the students instead of just the ones in my classroom," she said, describing her move from classroom teacher to coordinator.

Babson told meeting attendees that as Teacher of the Year she now leads the Teacher Advisory Council, or TAC, which brings together teachers of the year from every elementary, middle and high school in the district. She said the council shares classroom successes and identifies issues that need change, and that her role is intended to translate those conversations into practical supports for students.

"I get to meet with each kid and get to know them and help steer them in the direction and the pathway here at Brunswick County Schools that can help them achieve those goals," Babson said, saying the work includes helping students find appropriate classes, credential programs and college opportunities. She stressed that postsecondary planning is not limited to four-year college: "It doesn't necessarily have to be college. It could be the military. It could be straight into a career."

Babson said the coordinator role allows dedicated one-on-one time to tap students' passions, particularly when family expectations have pushed them toward familiar paths. She described the position as a way to connect students to courses, credentials and other local opportunities that align with their goals.

No formal action or vote was recorded in the transcript of this item. Babson's remarks focused on program goals and outreach; next steps or specific initiatives to implement the coordinator duties were not specified in the record.