#WhyIChoseEducation: Leaundra Clay

As part of Celebrating 90 Years of NC State Education, we asked you to share your stories of why you chose education and why you love the NC State College of Education. Below is one of the many stories we received demonstrating how we’re leading the way in education in North Carolina and beyond.

Name: Leaundra Clay
Graduation Year: Anticipated 2018
Program: North Carolina Leadership Academy MSA Program
Career Role & Responsibilities: As a Principal Resident I assume the duties of a school executive. These duties include: conducting formal and informal teacher observations, facilitating monthly professional development, leading weekly PLCs, serving as a testing coordinator, and continuously upholding the safety of students and staff.

Why did you enter the field of education?
I believe every student is entitled to receive an equitable education. As a teacher and future administrator, I am serving as the beacon of light for students to expose them to various avenues to help them develop personal interests and passions. I also believe students should develop leadership skills to provide significant impact in their life endeavors to promote positive change in their communities. It is my hope to foster an exciting academic atmosphere in which every stakeholder is empowered to surpass norms, and take responsibility for their learning and growing. Most importantly, schools have the power to help students become productive citizens and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.