CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Rachel Candaso, the 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year , stopped by West Craven Middle School on Monday morning to see how middle schools are preparing students for their next phase of life.

Candaso was joined by the principal and staff, touring classrooms, connecting with teachers, and engaging with students.

The visit is part of Candaso’s statewide outreach as the state’s Teacher of the Year. She said she is committed to uplifting educators, spotlighting best practices, and exploring the heart of each school and its community.

“As a middle school teacher, I know that what our students are learning is very different than what I remember,” Candaso said. “So the rigor is there, and just being educated on what kids are doing in our public schools, I thi

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