Last Updated on October 14, 2026 9:41 am
Watauga County Schools was recently notified by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) of Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander’s selection as a finalist for the inaugural North Carolina CTE Superintendent of the Year award.
The North Carolina Center Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE) established and sponsors this award to recognize superintendents whose leadership has made a meaningful difference for Career and Technical Education.
Alexander has been selected as the Northwest region finalist. Regional nominations were reviewed based on the superintendent’s support of high-quality CTE programs, innovation, leadership in expanding opportunities for students, and strengthening CTE partnerships.
Alexander’s ongoing support of the RISE Caldwell-Watauga program was described extensively in the nomination. The partnership between Watauga and Caldwell County Schools, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, economic development organizations, and employers has expanded work-based learning opportunities for local students.
WCS and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce held the inaugural Trades Day in April 2026 to recognize students who have earned and pursued industry credentials across 11 CTE concentrations. The event showcased CTE student achievement and brought together families, educators, employers, CCC&TI, and Appalachian State University, and connected students with regional career opportunities.
As superintendent of WCS, she has brought together educators, postsecondary institutions, business and industry, economic development organizations, and employers to create a regional talent pipeline. Alexander has successfully helped position WCS as not only an educator of students but also a critical partner in the development of the High Country’s future workforce.
Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, Career and Technical Education, and School Safety Dr. Tierra Stark described the impact of Alexander on WCS CTE programs.
“The unique beauty of how Dr. Alexander leads with CTE at the forefront of her mind can be seen in how she promotes the program, not as an alternative path, but rather as a distinctive path to both college and career readiness,” Stark said. “Her leadership has helped position CTE as a dynamic workforce-development strategy that benefits students while responding directly to the needs of the High Country economy.”
The exciting news was announced in a surprise recognition during the Oct. 13 WCS Board of Education meeting.
All eight regional finalists will be recognized during the NCCAT 2027 NC CTE Teacher of the Year Recognition Event on Oct. 29 in Concord, NC.
The inaugural North Carolina CTE Superintendent of the Year will be announced during the NCSSA Winter Conference in December.
