[WAKE FOREST, NORTH CAROLINE. May 4, 2026] CareerSafe is proud to announce that Jim Burrows has been named the 2026 National Safety Educator of the Year. Jim is a carpentry teacher at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he has spent 14 years shaping students not just as tradespeople, but as professionals equipped with the work ethic, safety knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the field. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional commitment to safety education and his enduring impact on students, his school, and the broader construction industry.
As part of this honor, Jim will receive:
- A $5,000 professional development grant to support his CTE program’s continued growth and impact.
- A personalized highlight video showcasing his achievements and the voices of those who know him best.
- An award presentation and watch party hosted at Heritage High School during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- National recognition through press coverage, social media features, and online announcements.
With nearly 30 years in the construction industry before entering the classroom, Jim brings a rare combination of real-world expertise and genuine passion for teaching. His program has become known not just for technical skill-building, but for the culture Jim has built around accountability, safety, and pride in one’s work. Students in his program earn their CareerSafe OSHA 10-Hour Construction Card — a credential of value that signals to employers that a young worker is jobsite ready from day one.
Beyond the classroom, Jim has been a driving force in the Wake County Public Schools Connect for Success Shed Competition, a program that partners general contractors with schools to give students hands-on construction experience. His teams have won the competition four times in 10 years — a testament to the caliber of students he develops. Contractors have taken notice, hiring Heritage students directly out of the competition.
Colleagues, students, and community members will gather to celebrate Jim at a special award ceremony during Teacher Appreciation Week at Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Rd, Wake Forest, NC on Monday, May 4, 2026.
For more information about the National Safety Educator of the Year Award, or to learn more about CareerSafe, visit www.careersafeonline.com or contact Tracy Bates at
About CareerSafe
Founded in 2003, CareerSafe has set out to address the safety training gap for young workers with the ultimate goal of making jobs safer. From safety and health training to employability skills and cybersecurity awareness, CareerSafe is focused on providing the foundational skills workers need to launch successful careers. OSHA 10-Hour training courses are just one of the many programs they offer to help students succeed in their chosen career paths.
CareerSafe is an OSHA Ambassador and Authorized Online Training Provider. We elevate tomorrow’s workforce by providing on-demand, online training in career-readiness and technical education, and industry-recognized credentials of value that hold meaning for a lifetime.
Media Contact:
Tracy Bates
Director of Marketing, CareerSafe