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Mills River Elementary School teacher is Beginning Teacher of the Year

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 19, 2025

Sarah Schwartz, a third grade teacher at Mills River Elementary School, has been named Henderson County Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026.
In her second year as a teacher, Schwartz has already distinguished herself as a dynamic, compassionate, and exceptionally effective educator whose impact extends far beyond her classroom walls. From the first day she joined the Mills River family, she impressed colleagues and administrators with her professionalism, creativity, and commitment to student success. Known for her thoughtful planning and responsiveness, she skillfully adapts her methods to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring every learner feels seen, valued and encouraged to grow.

“Ms. Schwartz demonstrates remarkable leadership and initiative in all she does,” Mills River Principal Chad Auten said. “Whether she is collaborating with grade-level teams, contributing to curriculum development, or engaging families, she consistently goes above and beyond. Her colleagues comment often on her positive spirit, her willingness to learn, and her ability to inspire those around her.”

Perhaps most telling is the way students respond to her teaching. 

“From the very first day in her class, my daughter’s confidence and excitement for school soared," one parent said. "Ms. Schwartz created a classroom environment where she not only thrived academically but also approached challenges with courage. She is a beginning teacher in title only, and our daughter has a brighter future today because of her leadership.”

“Ms. Schwartz embodies the very best of what we hope for in new educators," Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. "Her combination of instructional excellence, compassion for students, and collaborative spirit set her apart. We are incredibly fortunate to have her in Henderson County public schools.”

The North Carolina Prudential Beginning Teacher of the Year award was developed in 2019 by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching to honor beginning teachers and retain promising educators in North Carolina public schools. Principals from Henderson County’s 23 schools nominate beginning teachers, and the district’s Curriculum and Instruction staff, along with input from other stakeholders familiar with the nominees’ work, select the overall district winner.

As the district’s Beginning Teacher of the Year, Schwartz is now eligible for the NCCAT state award. The statewide winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, participation in a GoGlobal NC trip, and instructional supply funds for their school. The runner-up receives a $2,000 cash prize, and all finalists receive travel expenses to participate in professional and leadership development through NCCAT.

Regional finalists will be selected later this year and will attend a celebration and week of Teacher Leadership at NCCAT’s Cullowhee campus from March 9-13. During this time, the NCCAT BTOY Selection Committee will review portfolios and interview the 27 finalists. The statewide winner will be announced at a celebration event on March 12.