Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools
William Marshall, an American History and Economics and Personal Finance teacher at West Johnston High, has been named Johnston County Public Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year. In partnership with the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers, the 31st annual Flame for Learning Award celebration was held at The Barn at Broadslab in Benson, honoring all of the 20 semifinalists.
Through a blind judging process, 20 semifinalists, representing the many areas of the school district, were nominated by their colleagues and administrators. Afterwards, they engaged in various processes, including an interview phase followed by a request to submit their classroom best practices for review.
Marshall shined bright in all areas and was recognized as an award finalist alongside Heather Bryant of Clayton High, Lois D’Agostino of West View Elementary, and Brooke Hayward of Riverwood Elementary.
Marshall, a West Johnston alumnus, has been an educator for 10 years and strives to ensure that each of his students excels in their academics.
As part of the award determination, he submitted his best practice titled “From Paycheck to Property: Mastering the Art of Homeownership and Financial Foresight,” which focuses on equipping high school students with practical knowledge and skills that are essential for managing personal finances, particularly in the context of homeownership. By simulating real-world scenarios where students navigate the complexities of buying a home, budgeting on a given salary, and adapting to unexpected financial challenges, the project fosters a deep understanding of economic principles in action.
As the winner, Marshall received $1,000 from event sponsors and will represent Johnston County in the regional competition for North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year.
