The Teaching Fellows Experience

The Teaching Fellows Program was one of the components in a ten-point teacher recruitment proposal called "Who Will Teach Our Children." The proposal was developed by the Public School Forum of North Carolina, a nonprofit partnership of business, educational and political leaders from throughout North Carolina. The Forum staff administers the program while a Commission, appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, President Pro Tem of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, develops the policies and regulations governing the program. Acknowledging that the quality of education in our public schools is determined by the quality of our educators, an ambitious teacher recruitment program, the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, was enacted by the General Assembly in 1986.

The mission of the program was, and continues to be, to recruit talented high school graduates into the teaching profession and to help them develop leadership qualities such as visionary thinking and risk-taking; qualities that have not, in the past, been valued in teachers. The Teaching Fellows Program challenges students to see beyond the classroom and to think about the connections of education to the quality of life and the economic survival of our state. The program has quickly become one of the most prestigious programs in North Carolina. http://www.teachingfellows.org/theprogram/history.cfm

North Carolina Teaching Fellows Tour- North Carolina University at Pembroke,  Elon University, Campbell University, Western Carolina University, North Carolina University at Charlotte, North Carolina University at Asheville, North Carolina University at Wilmington, and North Carolina State University.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the North Carolina Teaching Fellows. What a wonderful group of future teachers. While on each campus the Teaching Fellows discussed the plight of public education and their role in ensuring a quality education to all students.   We had great conversations and I am excited about how these students are ready to tackle the ever-changing  position of “teacher.”

My Thoughts: Can Shoes Help a Student Graduate?

While presenting at a Leadership cohort, I heard a story that forced me into action. The story was about a student  who was being reprimanded for repeated dress code violations. It was evident that she wanted to be in school because she showed up wearing sandals in November (red flag) knowing she was out of uniform. The habitual violations were investigated by one of the Leadership candidates who realized the student was wearing the only pair of shoes she owned.  Once we realized what the REAL problem was, we were able to use my church’s caring fund to purchase the student two pairs of new shoes.   By finding out the student’s story through asking the right questions, the correct course of action was taken. Did assertive communication and shoes just increase the graduation rate?  Listen to learn and ask question to understand.

"No Teacher Left Behind" Movie

"No Teacher Left Behind" Movie by Dr. Maurice Martinez (WSE)

My Thoughts: Ninth Factor Team

Many people take good health for granted. Well my family knows that chronic illnesses exist and the effects of it firsthand.  I have two wonderful boys that remind me that life is precious and each moment is a gift. My boys were diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia shortly after birth and as any parent I remember grieving and feeling so isolated. My first question was why and my next concern was my pitiful little boys. Well after my brief pity party, I armed myself with information.

Myles age 8 and Kendall age 5 have been my heroes. We are members of the Hemophilia of North Carolina Chapter and wanted to make a difference.  My school began a fundraiser idea by printing T-shirts (Got Hooker?) to celebrate my NCTOY award and selling them to raise money to support my cause. The Ninth Factor Team was created and my boys were the junior captains for the 2011 Annual Hemophilia Walk. They sold pizzas, t-shirts and solicited private donations because they wanted to make a difference. With help of our family, friends, coworkers, local businesses we raised $6,500 and had more than 60 walkers on our team.  Remember: There will be struggles and disappointments in life. Your reaction creates the momentum for your outcome.

Shout Out: Teachers of Excellence

As I delivered the keynote address to the Teachers of Excellence, I was humbled and honored to be in the presence of so many amazing teachers. Commitment breeds excellence! During the evening I listened to the State’s most distinguished Special Education teachers talk about their students, their schools, and their relentless loyalty to the profession. Their schools and students are blessed.

My Thoughts: Don't Call Me a Classroom Teacher

During a recent school tour, I made the mistake of asking a veteran teacher whether she was a classroom teacher or an administrator.  She vehemently told me that she was not a classroom teacher that she was a SCHOOL teacher.  Her impact was not limited to the four walls of her classroom.  Her presence and guidance was felt school-wide.  When you accept the title of classroom teacher, it places you with one group and with one content.  Her reach is far broader than that.  So what would you like to be called?

Alamance Co. Teacher Named Statewide "Teacher of the Year"