Salem’s Dale Receives $175,000 STEM Grant

Morganton, NC – Monday, April 7, 2025

Salem Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jamie Lynn Dale has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Career Award for STEM Teachers (CAST), an honor recognizing outstanding educators in North Carolina who demonstrate a profound commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Dale is one of only five teachers across the state selected for this esteemed award, which includes a $175,000 grant distributed over five years to support professional development and enhance STEM experiences for students, schools, and communities.

Dale plans to use the grant to establish a state-of-the-art STEM-focused maker space innovation lab at Salem Elementary. "I want that to be a hub for just great creative learning to take place where students can go outside of their classroom and can have resources available," said Dale.

Alfred Mays, chief diversity officer and senior program officer for the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, delivered the surprise announcement. Mays praised Dale and her fellow recipients as visionary educators who are shaping the future of STEM learning. He said, "They demonstrate how a single educator can ignite a lifelong passion for STEM and open doors to future careers in STEM and innovation.”

Dr. Amber Halliburton, principal of Salem Elementary, commended Dale’s leadership and dedication to STEM initiatives.  She said, "Mrs. Dale has a clear vision for advancing science, technology, engineering, and math education. We are excited to see her ideas come to life as she leads professional development at our school and fosters partnerships with the NC School of Science and Math."

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan highlighted the impact of the grant on both the school and the wider community. He said, "We are excited for Mrs. Dale and her students and the opportunity this will provide for them to expand their knowledge in STEM fields. We look forward to seeing the innovative ideas that come out of this opportunity."

The Career Award for STEM Teachers supports exemplary public school educators across North Carolina who exhibit excellence in STEM instruction and a strong history of leadership within their schools, districts, and regions.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund, an independent private foundation based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences by supporting research and education—ranging from early-career scientists to hands-on STEM learning opportunities for K-12 students.

This is not the first time a Burke County educator has received this distinguished award. In 2023, East Burke Middle School teacher Andrea Gladden was honored with the CAST award, further underscoring the region’s commitment to fostering excellence in STEM education.