Previous Career:

Cancer Researcher

Current Teaching Position:

Jordan-Matthews High School, Chatham County

Licensure Area:

High School Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Establishing science as a subject that students look forward to taking and earning her National Board certification.

Victoria’s Story:

Dr. Victoria Raymond uses her prior experiences as an investigator of the molecular biology of cancer and cell signaling to bring an authentic practice of science to her classroom in Chatham County Schools. She chose NC TEACH for its streamlined approach through the lateral entry licensure process and found the support of her fellow NC TEACH participants during the first year was an invaluable part of the experience as was her professor, Dr. William Veal who she describes as “a talented science methods teacher who was an inspiration.” 

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

"Get into a classroom and spend some time. This is not a job for the faint-hearted but it can be an amazing experience if you’ve got the right combination of passion and patience!"

Previous Career:

Quality Assurance/Health & Safety Specialist

Current Teaching Position:

Kestrel Heights School (Charter), Durham County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Watching students learn concepts they felt they would never understand.

Willis’ Story:

Willis chose NC TEACH because he desired a structured program that would keep him on task and wouldn’t take “forever” to complete. Being with the other cohort member and the practical classroom techniques taught were the highlights of the program for him. His previous work ensuring compliance to federal regulations pertaining to research and lab practice have enabled Willis to organize his own classes and labs more effectively. His time spent working as a professional scientist in the business world has also helped him communicate with different people on various levels. The best part about Willis’ new teaching career? Having more time to spend with his wife and kids and the enjoyment of being in the classroom. Getting full benefits, not working weekends, holidays or summers is also a real perk!

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

"I am in one of the best professions there is where I know I can make a difference, but it’s not for everyone so talk to other teachers and visit schools, both announced and unannounced to observe the classes and grade levels you are interested in teaching."

Previous Career:

Quality Assurance Auditor

Current Teaching Position:

West Millbrook Middle School, Wake County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Math

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

To know she is helping children learn to question, to think, to tolerate, to love and learn from others.

Erica's Story:

Erica draws on her previous career working at the Research Triangle Institute in RTP to inform her students about how each new math concept she teaches is actually used in daily life or could be applied to a future career. Erica was drawn to NC TEACH because she wanted a career in which she would have the opportunity to make a real and enduring difference in someone’s life. Taking classes while teaching provided her a chance to immediately apply what she was learning and also receive immediate feedback from her instructors and fellow students. Erica was impressed with how well she felt her instructors prepared her and how resourceful they were. Because her instructors were former teachers themselves she knew they understood what she was going through. To Erica, the children in her classroom are more than just her students. She really cares for them and is invested in their finding success. One of the most rewarding things about her new teaching career is having former students visit the next year to impress her with how well they have gone on to do or being invited to a student’s play or sporting event and seeing how much they care that she is there.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Have fun! Take the good with the bad and don’t take anything personally. Be patient – your students won’t understand everything the first time. Most parents are doing the best they can so work with them. Take time for yourself. You will not inspire them all but you will make a difference for some of them. Love what you do and if you wake up and no longer love it, leave. Your children need all of you, not just part of you.”

Previous Career:

Bank Loan Officer

Current Teaching Position:

East Lee Middle School, Lee County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Social Studies

Host University:

Fayetteville State University

Greatest Teaching Success:

Serving his community through teaching and as a role model and mentor to the children.

Michael’s Story:

Michael wants his NC history lessons to come alive to his students and ensure they are having fun while learning. He has taken his professional banking experience to the classroom using his skills in public speaking and customer service – he knows how important it is with both adults and children to respect their needs. Michael chose NC TEACH because the online program allowed him the flexibility he wanted and he feels the courses and FSU staff really prepared him to teach his students effectively. The biggest difference he has found with his new teaching career is that he looks forward to going to work everyday.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

Previous Career:

Biological Anthropology graduate student & undergraduate lab instructor at Duke University

Current Teaching Position:

Taught for two years at West Johnston High School, Johnston County and is currently an NC TEACH program coordinator at NCSU helping others become teachers

Licensure Area:

High School Science

Host University:

North Carolina State University

Greatest Teaching Success:

Her students. The best success she had was that her students didn’t just scrape by, doing the minimum amount of work necessary. They motivated and challenged her, exceeding her expectations. Every single one of her students passed their EOC or AP test and she was a runner-up for Teacher of the Year in Johnston County after her second year of teaching.

Julie's Story:

As a graduate student and lab instructor Julie found herself spending extra time writing new labs and revamping old ones, just to make the lab more interesting and effective for students. This is when she knew that teaching was her true calling. She completed her Masters degree and the NC TEACH program. Julie chose NC TEACH because of the intensive training offered during the summer which prepared her to enter the classroom and she was also able to complete all her education coursework within one year. The best part about NC TEACH for Julie was that the program was uniquely designed for the needs of first-year teachers and she received tremendous support from NCSU’s NC TEACH director, Grant Holley, the NC TEACH professors and her fellow NC TEACHers.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“If you have a solid background in your subject area and you enjoy learning from hands-on experience, lateral entry is definitely the way to go. NC TEACH is great because it provides you with training before you enter the classroom and it allows you to complete your licensure quickly. You will receive an excellent level of training in a short period.”

Previous Career:

Insurance Agent

Current Teaching Position:

Brogden Middle School, Durham County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Watching her students become kinder, more thoughtful young citizens who understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.

NameAndrea's’ Story:

Working in corporate America teaches accountability and the experiences Andrea had as an insurance agent have helped her stay accountable to her students, their parents and the school. In her own words, “My previous career helps keep my current career in perspective. Although I may have a rough day, in the long run teaching matters more than my daily efforts selling insurance.” NC TEACH was recommended to Andrea by an administrator and fellow Science teacher in the Durham Public Schools as a program that yields spectacular educators. Andrea enjoyed the fact that everything she learned through NC TEACH could be immediately implemented in the classroom. She loves that the classroom is her stage and that she can get her students excited about what they are learning – each class has its own personality. Above and beyond having summers free, the camaraderie that comes along with being actively involved in school is Andrea’s favorite part about her new teaching career and she is currently a Team Leader at Brogden.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Enroll in the NC TEACH program. Not only was it the most effective educational program I have ever been involved in, it was also group therapy, which is necessary when you are learning the ropes as a first year teacher. Without the NC TEACH program, I would not have been nearly as successful as I am in the classroom.”

Previous Career:

Mechanical Engineer & Mom

Current Teaching Position:

Williston Middle School, New Hanover County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Mathematics

Host University:

UNC-Wilmington

Greatest Teaching Success:

Growing strong relationships with her students.

Indira's Story:

As a former Mechanical Engineer and full-time Mom NC TEACH was the right fit for Indira with its team approach, meaningful assignments (not busy work) and the support of fellow NC TEACHers, instructors and mentors. Indira brings her knowledge and professional experience in product development, manufacturing and quality engineering to the classroom, incorporating real-life examples which she hopes will motivate her students to think about what they want to with their future. The last period of the day in Middle School is challenging but Indira still refers to her new teaching career as her dream!

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“If you are a parent of young children, I recommend completing your coursework prior to starting your teaching position.”

Previous Career:

Mountain Adventure Senior Guide (wilderness survival skills school for teenagers)

Current Teaching Position:

Asheville Middle School, Asheville City Schools

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Math & Science

Host University:

Western Carolina University

Greatest Teaching Success:

The ability to connect with many of her students and finding out what will grab their attention in order to engage them in the material.

Peggy's Story:

Peggy has used her unique experience in working with teenagers in experiential education out in the woods in her current teaching position. She previously organized two week trips teaching 13-15 year olds wilderness survival skills and “Leave no Trace” ethics. She has found active learning works great in the classroom as well. Peggy was a Master of Teaching student when she joined NC TEACH as some of the classes overlapped in WCU’s program. She loves her students’ energy and there is something about each day that makes her smile.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Be flexible. Nothing ever works out the way you want it to but it always works out the way it should.”

Previous Career:

Research Assistant & Graduate Student

Current Teaching Position:

Durant Road Middle School, Wake County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Being named the 2004 Teacher of the Year for his school and passing the National Board Certification

Paul's Story:

As a “real world” scientist Paul actively uses and teaches Science as a process, not just a collection of facts. As a former Research Assistant and Master of Science student he planned and conducted scientific experiments, maintained cultures of toxic microbes and wrote articles with his scientific findings. Incorporating the latest breakthroughs and scientific findings into his lessons now helps to put science into perspective for his students. For Paul, his fellow NC TEACH cohort members were the best part about the program, supporting and encouraging each other through the program and now staying in touch as friends and leaders in their respective schools.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Get into a classroom. Seeing a live classroom will help you determine whether this challenging and rewarding profession is really a good match for you.”

Previous Career:

Public Accountant and International Trade Accounting Manager

Current Teaching Position:

Flat Rock Middle School, Henderson County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Mathematics

Host University:

Western Carolina University

Greatest Teaching Success:

I believe my students know how much I care, and they have in turn begun to learn a subject which they previously feared. The saying, “No one cares how much you know until they know you care” is true!

Cathy’s Story:

With over 20 years of managerial business experience in a variety of different environments, Cathy made the decision to transfer her strong communication and analytical skills to the classroom. Her impressive background, positive attitude and strong work ethic have helped her succeed with the frenetic energy of hundreds of middle school students. While time management in creating lessons can be challenging, putting in long hours at work is not new to her and she remains hopeful about the future.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Know that you are not only going to be teaching your subject matter, but also life lessons. School is a place where students learn about how to get along with others, as much as it is a place to learn academics. Spend some time in schools and around children in the age group you hope to teach before making a commitment. I thought I would teach High School but found Middle School is a better fit for my personality and demeanor.”

Previous Career:

Research Scientist for Michigan State University

Current Teaching Position:

Northwood High School, Chatham County

Licensure Area:

High School AP Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Being a finalist for NC Teacher of the Year in 2005-06 and receiving my National Board Certification but really my greatest success are my students and their successes. The ultimate success for me would be if one of my students chose to teach science. 

Keri's Story:

When Keri decided to become a teacher she wanted to get in the classroom as quickly as possible and NC TEACH enabled her to do this. Sharing trials, tribulations as well as successes with her cohort members, whether online or face-to-face, proved to be a real support network for her. Keri brings her problem-solving skills, patience and fortitude from her previous experience as a research scientist to teaching science in a classroom. Teaching can be overwhelming and at times exhausting but Keri never watches the clock and she is never bored. She loves that she is constantly learning and works hard to do her best for every student.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Commit to at least a year. The first year is tough and I might have quit if I was not as committed.”

Previous Career:

Private School Teacher

Current Teaching Position:

Douglas Byrd Middle School, Cumberland County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Social Studies & Reading

Host University:

Fayetteville State University

Greatest Teaching Success:

A child who had a lot of problems the previous year told me that I was a great teacher and that they learned a lot in my class.

Tiffany's Story:

As a single parent of three Tiffany chose NC TEACH because it was accelerated and she could complete the program all online. As a teacher in a private Christian school for six years prior she already understood that teaching requires patience and understanding and that all children want to be nurtured, disciplined and loved. Tiffany’s favorite part about her new teaching career in public schools is that she believes the children genuinely need her and they want to learn. Tiffany also feels lucky that her principal values her staff and believes they should take time for themselves and their family. Coming into NC TEACH open to learn, Tiffany feels the program helped her become effective in the classroom and gave her the tools to become highly qualified.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Stop thinking about it and do it! Stay positive and be persistent because you are taking the necessary steps to help build a child’s future.”

Previous Career:

Soil Conservationist with the USDA

Current Teaching Position:

Northern Granville Middle School, Granville County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

When a student comes back to me and tells me that he/she really appreciated what I helped them learn.

Boyce’s Story:

Boyce’s experience working with landowners of all education levels assisting them with the development of conservation plans for their land has been a great asset to him now in dealing with students that are at different levels of understanding the material being presented. Boyce’s goal upon retirement was to teach but he found other routes to licensure were filled with barriers. When Boyce’s son was called to active duty with the NC National Guard Boyce had the opportunity to become a long-term sub for his son’s class. While in this position he learned about NC TEACH at UNC-CH and took the opportunity to work with some outstanding instructors and supportive classmates to gain licensure and graduate credits. For Boyce, teaching is more than just teaching a subject, it involves helping the student see the relevance of the subject in his/her life. 

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Think long and hard about the decision. A teacher’s clients are not only the students but also parents and administrators and long hours may be required. You must have thick skin, the ability to admit mistake and hold your ground when necessary. This is one of the most rewarding careers that one could ever experience and there is nothing like working with a student when he/she suddenly realizes what you are trying to help them understand.”

Previous Career:

Administrative Assistant for a Staffing Services company

Current Teaching Position:

Brogden Middle School, Durham County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Language Arts

Host University:

North Carolina Central University 

Greatest Teaching Success:

Each day as a new teacher brings challenges and finding the strength and support to overcome these challenges is a learning experience and, therefore, a success.

Toni’s’ Story:

As a New Yorker, Toni was anxious to remain in the fast lane when she moved to North Carolina and expedite her teaching license as efficiently as possible while still getting the best possible education. Her previous professional experience helped her to develop organization and communication skills which translated to her interactions with teachers, parents and school administrators. Toni’s days are no longer mundane or routine and her new teaching career offers something new every day forcing her to think on her feet and change tactics at any moment. Toni welcomes the new challenges and excitement the classroom environment brings. Being taught by educators alongside supportive and friendly cohort members made her NC TEACH experience a success.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Before becoming a teacher make sure you have some training for the classroom. Had I not taken classes through NC TEACH I probably would have lasted one week in my current job! Teaching is a lot more than having subject area knowledge, it is having the knowledge and the tools to face the challenges of daily classroom activities.”

Previous Career:

Corporate Sales Representative 

Current Teaching Position:

West Cary Middle School, Wake County

Licensure Area:

Middle Grades Science

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Sparking an interest in students, regardless of their academic level, to compete in Future Cities, ExploraVision and Science Olympiad. I am able to see children really work as a team to achieve a goal.

Brenda’s’ Story:

Sales is about asking questions to find out what your client needs and wants and for Brenda, teaching is just the same. Teaching involves reading your students, understanding their needs and wishes and helping them learn and achieve success. For Brenda teaching is the only career she has had where she gets up every morning and wants to go to work. She loves to teach, especially in the inquiry format.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Teaching is about setting up a learning environment where students are challenged to think and develop the characteristics needed to be a successful member of a team and society. Students tend to resist these types of challenges but watching students successfully meet them is worth all of the effort.”

Previous Career:

Chemical Engineering Intern

Current Teaching Position:

Harnett Central High, Harnett County

Licensure Area:

High School Mathematics

Host University:

UNC-Chapel Hill

Greatest Teaching Success:

Working on her National Board Certification (she is already half-way through!)

Natalie’s Story:

Natalie joined NC TEACH nearing the end of her first year of teaching. With no formal teacher training NC TEACH provided important information that she could immediately put into practice. Taking classes during the summer and in the evenings was convenient as she was already on a working school calendar. Knowing that not everyone likes math and not accustomed to leading others Natalie pushed her own limits taking the initiative to manage her classroom successfully for the past four years. Natalie loves the challenge that being a teacher brings and the knowledge that she has even a small effect in the life of a child makes it all worth while.

Advice to others thinking about becoming a teacher:

“Try to substitute for the age level you think you want to teach. There are a lot of obstacles and teaching isn’t easy. Make sure it is what you really want to do.”