North Carolina Educators Honored for Technology Certification Success

The annual honor, presented by Pearson at the Certiport 2026 CERTIFIED Educator Conference, highlights instructors who go beyond standard curricula to provide students with resume-building credentials. By emphasizing real-world skills, these educators are bridging the gap between traditional classroom learning and the demands of contemporary career paths.

Colleagues point to the duo's collaborative spirit and dedication as the driving force behind their recognition. Reno Palombit, Director of Career and Technical Education for Johnston County Public Schools, noted that Clark consistently prioritizes student needs, while Lindsey Hardy, CTE Program Coordinator for Harnett County Schools, described Faulkner as an expert across multiple disciplines. Beth Matthews, a consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, praised the pair as a dynamic team, citing their willingness to explore new opportunities for their students. Laura Peterson, Managing Director of Professional Assessments at Pearson, emphasized that such efforts directly influence student success and inspire lifelong learning.