Barton Pond Counselor Named State Educator of the Year
The Wake County educator is now eligible to compete for a national school counseling title.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The North Carolina School Counselor Association has named Nicole Simpson, a counselor at Barton Pond Elementary School in Raleigh, the 2026 North Carolina School Counselor of the Year. Simpson is now set to compete for the national title following her selection.
Why it matters
This award recognizes excellence in student support within the Wake County Public School System. It highlights the local focus on mental health and academic guidance resources available to students in Raleigh elementary schools.
Nicole Simpson received the state-level recognition after previously being named the Wake County Public School System School Counselor of the Year. She has served in the school counseling field for eight years.
The players
Nicole Simpson
A veteran school counselor of eight years currently serving at Barton Pond Elementary School in Raleigh.
North Carolina School Counselor Association
The professional body responsible for setting standards and recognizing excellence among school counselors in the state.
Wake County Public School System
The local school district that previously selected Simpson for its internal counselor of the year award.
The details
The honor was presented during a surprise event held on Tuesday. Simpson began her path to counseling while working in a YMCA afterschool program, where an encounter with a school counselor inspired her career choice. She joined Barton Pond Elementary School in 2022 after spending three years on staff at Green Magnet Elementary School.
Timeline
Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Nicole Simpson received the award during a surprise event.
2022: Nicole Simpson began her current role at Barton Pond Elementary School.
The Home Front
This award aligns with the broader American School Counselor Association's standards for student-centered counseling programs. It reflects a growing emphasis on high-quality support services within the local Raleigh public education landscape.
Parents at Barton Pond Elementary School can view this award as an indicator of the school's commitment to student well-being. Families should reach out to their school's counseling department to learn more about the specific mental health and academic supports available to their children.
The takeaway
The selection of a local educator for this state-level honor highlights the importance of consistent, high-quality support for students throughout their elementary years. Families can support these school-based efforts by staying engaged with their student's individual counseling team.
Further reading
Learn more about the resources available to students in Raleigh Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
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