Raleigh Counselor Named North Carolina Educator of Year
Barton Pond Elementary counselor Nicole Simpson earns state honors for her contributions to student support.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The North Carolina School Counselor Association has named Nicole Simpson the 2026 North Carolina School Counselor of the Year. Simpson, who currently works at Barton Pond Elementary School, is now set to compete for the national title.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the essential role of counseling services in supporting student development within the Wake County Public School System. By honoring high-performing staff, the association underscores the importance of mental health and academic guidance in local schools.
Nicole Simpson has served as a school counselor for 8 years, following a 3-year tenure at Green Magnet Elementary School. She has been a staff member at Barton Pond Elementary School since 2022.
The players
Nicole Simpson
She is the 2026 North Carolina School Counselor of the Year and serves at Barton Pond Elementary School.
North Carolina School Counselor Association
This professional organization advocates for school counselors and oversees the state-level educator award process.
The details
The award was presented during a surprise announcement held on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Simpson's career. Her path to the profession began while she worked in a YMCA afterschool program, where she first interacted with a school counselor.
Timeline
Tuesday, October 27, 2026: The North Carolina School Counselor Association announced the award during a surprise event.
2022: Nicole Simpson began her current role at Barton Pond Elementary School.
Culture Shift
This award reflects a broader trend of elevating the visibility of student support staff within public education. It highlights the shift toward prioritizing school mental health initiatives as central components of successful learning environments.
Students and families at Barton Pond Elementary School benefit from the continued presence of a recognized, award-winning counselor. This distinction may draw further focus to the resources available to students within the Wake County Public School System.
The takeaway
Recognizing effective educators helps foster stronger community support for school counseling programs. Families can support this by engaging with their own local school counseling departments to understand available student resources.
Further reading
For more information on the local education system, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
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