South Lenoir Counselor Candice Tyndall Named NCATLL Outstanding Young Educator of the Year
South Lenoir High School counselor Candice Tyndall has been selected as the North Carolina Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading (NCATLL) Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, a statewide honor recognizing early‑career educators who are making a significant impact on students and their school communities.
For Tyndall, the recognition came as a complete surprise. And while the award often brings to mind classroom teachers, Tyndall says the recognition affirms the vital role school counselors play as educators.
“I feel like I am an educator,” she said. “I educate these children not only on their academic pursuits, but if they’re dealing with anything personal or social. Any plan after high school or while they’re in high school, I’m able to educate them on what they need to do and how to do it. The end goal is to make them productive adults.”
A 2005 graduate of South Lenoir High School, Tyndall describes returning to her alma mater as a dream come true. After graduating from East Carolina University, she began her career as a high school biology teacher before transitioning into school counseling, a role inspired by her own counselor and mentor.
“South Lenoir has always been home,” she said. “It gave so much to me when I was growing up, so it’s my turn now to give back to the school, the community, and the children here.”
Tyndall began serving as a counselor during the 2013–14 school year and has remained at South Lenoir ever since. She says the ability to support students in all areas of their lives is what drew her to the profession.
“When I was teaching, kids would come to me for questions, good things, bad things, everything in between,” she said. “I kept thinking, I can do more for these children than just teach. Counseling lets me see all sides of the spectrum and make a bigger impact.”
That impact often shows up in moments that extend far beyond a typical school day. Tyndall recalled a 2021 graduation ceremony where one student arrived moments before the ceremony without his cap and gown.
“I got on a golf cart in heels, met someone at the gate and was running to dress him so he could get on the field and graduate,” she said. “That’s just what I would want someone to do for my children. I treat them like they’re my own.”
Tyndall had no idea she was nominated for the award, which made the moment she found out all the better.
“I teared up. I cried,” she said. “I do what I do for the kids. But it made me feel appreciated and loved.”
Superintendent Brent Williams praised Tyndall’s impact on students and families across the school community. “Candice goes above and beyond to support students and help them see their full potential. She builds meaningful relationships and makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”
She credits her family and colleagues for their support and says the award highlights the work counselors do every day.
"To know that the hard work I’ve put in for years is making an impact — and that other people see it — means everything.”
As an NCATLL Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, Tyndall hopes the recognition brings greater awareness to the role counselors play in shaping students’ futures.