Stephanie Lane is the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Charter School Teacher of the Year and a second-grade teacher at Lake Norman Charter Elementary School. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she graduated *summa cum laude*.
Stephanie is passionate about creating classrooms where children feel known, valued, and excited to learn. Her work centers on authentic relationships, creativity, joyful learning, and cultivating a sense of belonging among students, educators, and communities. She has served in school and statewide leadership roles and is currently a member of the North Carolina Innovative Leadership Council, collaborating with educators and leaders to advance innovative practices across the state. She is honored to use her Teacher of the Year platform to elevate educator voices and advocate for learning environments where every child can thrive.
Stephanie resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and teenage daughter. She gardens, raises chickens, and keeps bees.