This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education will introduce some of the first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.
This fall, the NC State College of Education is set to welcome its largest ever incoming class of Teaching Fellows since the program return in 2017.
The incoming cohort comprises about 58 students. NC State is now home to about 150 Teaching Fellows in total — the most of any university in North Carolina.
Teaching Fellows receive up to $8,250 per year in forgivable loans to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics or special education and engage in numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Through Teaching Fellows at NC State, students are able to leverage NC State’s standing as a STEM powerhouse to deepen their content knowledge, qualify for more leadership opportunities, engage in increased professional development and enhance their effectiveness and impact as a teacher.
Meet three of the Teaching Fellows who will join the NC State College of Education this fall:
Bricen Bullis
Graham, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy playing the guitar, reading, and watching movies.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
When I was in the seventh grade, my art teacher, an alum of NC State, took a group of students on a tour of the campus. While it wasn’t my first time on a college campus, NC State immediately felt like home and I knew, from then on, NC State was my dream school.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
That same school year, I decided that my life would be best spent inspiring others in the classroom.
Why did you choose your major?
Math was a decision I made in high school. I’ve always had a brain for numbers and I believe math is very important not just for the actual concepts taught but also for problem-solving in general.
What does it mean to you to be named a Teaching Fellow?
Becoming a Teaching Fellow has been a massive accomplishment for me! Several of my high school teachers were Teaching Fellows at their respective universities and all of them said the opportunities that come along with the financial aspect are unmatchable.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I am looking forward to meeting all the new people I will come across at NC State. I would say I’m an extrovert, so a large university like NC State is very much in my element.
Tylan Deams
Charlotte, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy listening to and playing music, attending concerts, cooking, reading and working out.
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I chose NC State and the College of Education because the majority of the Teaching Fellow recipients choose NC State as the place that they want to learn and grow at.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I enjoy helping others. I enjoy seeing that lightbulb in kids’ eyes when they finally understand something. And, I’ve always enjoyed going to school. I wanted to be influential and teach the younger generation about the necessity of proper communication and kindness. I feel like being a teacher will help me do all the things I always enjoyed when I was younger.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in science education because I enjoy the teaching profession and I needed to select a field of interest to be a high school teacher. At times, I have had difficulties with science, but I feel like those who have struggled in a particular subject are able to relate to the struggle others may have.
What does it mean to you to be named a Teaching Fellow?
To me, being named a Teaching Fellow means a little more financial security when making decisions about my educational journey. I want to be able to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible before entering the teaching profession and I feel Teaching Fellows will provide that for me.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
I’m most looking forward to the Teaching Fellows forums and creating a home and family with my Teaching Fellow peers.
Laci Lucas
Clinton, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I love to read, go to the beach, hang out with my friends and watch the sunset!
Why did you choose NC State University and the NC State College of Education?
I chose NC State University and its College of Education because, right when I stepped onto campus, I felt at home. I had spent years attending sporting events and dreaming of becoming a part of the Wolfpack family. The exceptional STEM program that NC State offers has something special that makes it stand out. North Carolina State University inspires me to “Think and Do” what is not only best for me, but for my community as well.
What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?
I have had the privilege to be taught by some amazing educators who have made a lasting impact in my life. Those teachers were Mrs. Stacy Simmons and Mrs. Tracy Jackson. You could tell that they loved what they did and truly cared for their students. While being in their classrooms, I learned that the education system is where my heart is. I want to be able to make a difference in a child’s life just as these two teachers have done in mine.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose education because I am so passionate about helping others and being able to make a difference in their lives. I feel as though it is a teacher’s duty to shape their students into individuals who will change our community for the better. So it is very important that these students have that role model who will push them to go above and beyond to one day change the world.
What does it mean to you to be named a Teaching Fellow?
To be named a Teaching Fellow is an honor. I have heard so many great things about this program from previous Teaching Fellows and knew it was something that I was interested in. I know that being a Teaching Fellow will allow me to share my passion for the educational industry and guide more students to fall in love with the power of learning and curiosity. I am so thankful to be a part of a community of educators who share this same passion as me!
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
With being from a town as small as Clinton, I am looking forward to the amazing new experiences and opportunities NC State and its College of Education is going to provide.
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