Meet Alisha DeBerry: NCREEA’s 2025 Educator of the Year

Excellence in real estate education doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through years of dedication, deep knowledge, and a genuine commitment to student success. Alisha DeBerry, MBA, DREI, GSI, CDEI, embodies all of that and more. Recently named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Real Estate Educators Association (NCREEA), DeBerry has earned her place among the state’s most respected real estate instructors.

This prestigious recognition celebrates not only her outstanding classroom impact but also her leadership across the real estate industry. Her name will be displayed on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s wall of honorees, a testament to the lasting influence she’s had on professionals throughout the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Award-Winning Educator: Alisha DeBerry was named NCREEA’s 2025 Educator of the Year, one of the highest honors in North Carolina real estate education.
  • Proven Track Record: With over 15 years of teaching experience and advanced credentials, including DREI, GSI, and CDEI, she brings both depth and versatility to the classroom.
  • Industry Leader: Beyond teaching, DeBerry serves on key advisory boards and committees, shaping real estate standards and professional development statewide.
  • Author and Mentor: As an Amazon best-selling author and broker-in-charge, she empowers students and professionals through education, mentorship, and real-world expertise.

What This Award Represents

The NCREEA Educator of the Year award is far more than a title. It honors instructors who go above and beyond in their commitment to raising professional standards, fostering student success, and advancing the real estate field as a whole. Recipients are chosen based on their teaching excellence, industry contributions, and ability to inspire the next generation of real estate professionals.

For DeBerry, the honor carries personal meaning. “This award is deeply meaningful to me because it represents the shared commitment we all have to raising the bar for excellence in real estate education,” she said. “It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”

That philosophy has guided her approach to teaching for more than a decade, and it continues to resonate with students across North Carolina.

A Teaching Style Built on Clarity and Engagement

DeBerry is known for making complex topics accessible. Whether she’s teaching pre-licensing courses, post-licensing requirements, or continuing education, her dynamic and engaging style helps students retain what they learn and apply it with confidence.

She holds some of the most respected credentials in real estate instruction, including Distinguished Real Estate Instructor (DREI), Gold Standard Instructor (GSI), and Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI). These designations reflect her ongoing commitment to professional development and instructional excellence.

Her ability to connect with adult learners stems from years of experience teaching in community college settings and real estate classrooms throughout the state. She understands the challenges students face and tailors her approach to meet them where they are.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

DeBerry’s influence extends well beyond her role as an instructor at Superior School of Real Estate. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the NC REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee and holds a seat on the City of Monroe Planning Board. She has previously served on multiple advisory boards, including the NC REALTORS® Broker-in-Charge Advisory Committee and NC REALTORS® Board of Directors.

She’s also a certified Notary Law Instructor with the NC Secretary of State and serves as broker-in-charge and managing member of Platinum Group Realty in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

In addition to her work in real estate, DeBerry is an accomplished author. Her Amazon best-selling books include True Credit Restoration, 30-Day Money Journal, and ABA Enterprises Notary Journal, all of which reflect her passion for empowering others through education and financial literacy.

DeBerry has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Dynamic Women in the Charlotte region by Charlotte Media Group and has been featured in Top Agent Magazine. She holds an MBA from Purdue University, which strengthens her business insight and strategic approach to real estate instruction.

What Students and Colleagues Are Saying

Bill Gallagher, Founder and Instructor at Superior School of Real Estate, shared his thoughts on DeBerry’s recognition: “Alisha’s recognition as Educator of the Year is a testament to the caliber of instruction students can expect at Superior. Her commitment to teaching, professionalism, and student success embodies the values that make Superior the trusted choice for real estate education in North Carolina.”

Her impact is felt not just in the classroom, but in the careers she’s helped launch and the professionals she’s mentored along the way. Students consistently praise her ability to break down difficult concepts, answer questions with patience, and provide real-world context that makes learning relevant and actionable.

Why Superior School of Real Estate

Founded by top-producing real estate professionals, Superior School of Real Estate has built a reputation for delivering high-quality education that prepares students for real success. As part of Colibri Real Estate, Superior offers flexible learning options, industry-leading instructors, and a proven track record of helping students pass their exams on the first try.

DeBerry’s recognition reinforces what sets Superior apart: a commitment to excellence that starts with the people who teach. When students enroll at Superior, they’re learning from professionals who are not only skilled educators but also active leaders in the real estate community.

Celebrate Excellence in Real Estate Education

Alisha DeBerry’s recognition as NCREEA’s 2025 Educator of the Year is a proud moment for Superior School of Real Estate and the entire North Carolina real estate community. Her dedication to teaching, leadership, and student success continues to inspire those around her.

If you’re considering a career in real estate or looking to enhance your skills as a real estate professional, Superior School of Real Estate is the perfect place to begin or grow your career. With exceptional educators like Alisha DeBerry leading the way, you’ll gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to succeed in this competitive industry.

Join us in celebrating excellence in real estate education and take the next step toward achieving your goals. Visit our website to explore our wide range of courses and learn more about how Superior School of Real Estate can help you excel. Start your journey with us today and be a part of a community committed to your success.