Nick Rotenberry Receives Flame for Learning

Nick Rotenberry, a fourth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Polenta Elementary, was named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2024 Teacher of the Year. In partnership with Triangle East Chamber, the 30th annual Flame for Learning Award celebration was held at The Barn at Broadslab in Benson, honoring all of the 20 semifinalists. 

As the recipient of the Flame for Learning Mr. Rotenberry will represent Johnston County in the regional competition for North Carolina Teacher of the Year. 

Mr. Rotenberry was one of four innovative teachers chosen as finalists for the award that included Kaitie Collingwood of Innovation Academy, Jenny Irvine of Cleveland High, and Karen Newhart of Riverwood Elementary.

Friends, family, administrators, and business leaders gathered for the prestigious award ceremony. The evening’s keynote speaker was Meredith Archie, President of the NC Chamber Foundation. 

In 1994 the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce adopted the Flame For Learning Award because of the importance of teachers in developing and educating children. Their goal is to support and elevate the teaching profession. Johnston County teachers play a critical role in developing the talent pipeline. This award recognizes outstanding creativity and innovation in teachers that are selected strictly on merit, without regard to school or residence.

Through a blind judging process 20 semifinalists, representing 16 schools from all across the school district, were nominated by their administrators and selected to move on to the interview phase. They also submitted a Best Practice from the classroom. 

As the winner, Nick Rotenberry received $1,000 from event sponsors and will represent Johnston County in the regional competition for North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year. Each semifinalist and finalist also received cash prizes.

In addition each of the semifinalists and finalists received four bags of donated items from the business community of Johnston County.