Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is proud to announce that Vance County educator Kadian Watkis has been selected as North Carolina's nominee for the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation's Travelers Awards for Teaching Excellence. The awards recognize outstanding K-12 public school educators from across the nation for excellence in the classroom, dedication to family and community engagement, commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession.
An educator with more than 15 years of experience, Watkis taught in Jamaica before becoming an elementary reading teacher at Clarke Elementary School in Henderson in 2023. Since joining Clarke Elementary, she has strengthened student achievement, contributing to increased End-of-Grade (EOG) proficiency rates. Beyond the classroom, Watkis has also made a significant impact in her school community through family newsletters, parent engagement initiatives, and other outreach efforts.
"We are proud to nominate Kadian Watkis for the NEA Foundation's Travelers Awards for Teaching Excellence," said Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President. "Kadian has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her students while also supporting her colleagues in Vance County through her union involvement. Her nomination is a testament to the incredible work educators do every day to strengthen their communities and improve the lives of students through public education."
