Rachel Candaso is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, representing Pitt County Schools and the Northeast Region. She serves as the AVID Site Coordinator and elective teacher at Wellcome Middle School, where she leads schoolwide implementation of AVID strategies to expand college and career readiness for students. Born and raised on Guam and a graduate of Arizona State University, Rachel’s experiences as a first-generation college student fuel her commitment to expanding opportunity through public education. She also serves as a State Board of Education Advisor and Chair of Governor Stein’s Teacher Advisory Council, where she elevates educator voices in shaping statewide education policy. A Teach For America alumna and Kenan Fellow, Rachel is dedicated to building strong partnerships between schools, communities, and industry to ensure every student is prepared for the future.