Yaronda Kilgo is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southwest Region Teacher of the Year. A former Title I student who became a dedicated educator, Yaronda has nine years of classroom experience and is a two-time Top Ten Teacher of the Year Finalist and the 2024 UCPS Teacher of the Year for Union County Public Schools in Monroe, NC. She is known for her commitment to building both character and academics by connecting subjects like literacy and math. Her approach is rooted in meeting each child where they are and guiding them to exceed what they thought was possible. As a curriculum facilitator, she now works with teachers to strengthen instructional practices and grow future leaders, ensuring that all teachers and students are supported. A powerful voice for teacher recruitment and retention, Yaronda serves on Governor Josh Stein’s Teacher Advisory Committee and is devoted to growing and pouring into the future of our state.