North Carolina Teachers Named to Curriculum Associates' 2025 Class of Extraordinary Educators™

Marla Dunlow of Chocowinity Primary School in Chocowinity, NC, Emily Emery of Stanly County Schools in Albemarle, NC, Katherine Lavine of The Expedition School in Hillsborough, NC, and Melissa May of Surf City Middle School in Hampstead, NC all received the national recognition for pioneering innovative classroom strategies while driving high expectations and student achievement.

RALEIGH, N.C., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curriculum Associates has named Marla Dunlow of Chocowinity Primary School in Chocowinity, Emily Emery of Stanly County Schools in Albemarle, Katherine Lavine of The Expedition School in Hillsborough, and Melissa May of Surf City Middle School in Hampstead to its 2025 class of Extraordinary Educators, an annual program that celebrates and connects teachers from across the country who go above and beyond for their students in Grades K–8. Selected from hundreds of nominations, Dunlow, Emery, Lavine, and May are part of a select group of 29 educators who exhibit best-in-class use of i-Ready, i-Ready Classroom Mathematics, and/or Ready. They have also promoted growth and achievement through formal assessments, pioneered innovative engagement strategies, and served as a steward for high expectations and student achievement.

"I work to ensure equity in my classroom by not only building relationships with my students but also by having them build relationships with each other," said Emery. "This allows me to create a supportive learning environment where everyone feels safe to collaborate and take risks."

"As a parent and a dually certified mathematics and exceptional children teacher, accessibility isn't just something I value; it's something I live every day," said Lavine. "In my middle school math classes, I've helped shift our course placement process to rely more on objective data than subjective factors. As a result, more students with learning differences are not only accessing accelerated math tracks but thriving in them."

"By incorporating the individual strengths of my students into lesson plans, I build on what they already know while challenging them to explore new ideas and concepts," said May.

This year's class of Extraordinary Educators includes a diverse range of backgrounds and roles—from classroom teachers to specialists and gifted support teachers. Each educator's application was reviewed by an internal selection committee composed of Curriculum Associates employees with various roles across the company and finalized by an advisory board that included Curriculum Associates and Extraordinary Educators alumni.

"The impact these teachers make creates ripple effects in their communities and across the country," said Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates. "We are delighted to celebrate these remarkable educators and the transformative work they do to ensure better student outcomes. Our Extraordinary Educators, selected from hundreds of nominations and submissions, embody our mission of impact in the classroom and work to unlock the potential of every student."

This class of Extraordinary Educators will enjoy continued access to a network of their distinguished peers from across the country to collaborate, connect, and explore new and unique ways to prepare the next generation of learners. They will also receive access to professional learning opportunities, including an invitation to participate and present at the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and other professional learning events.

About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

Media contact: press@cainc.com

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SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC