Teaching Fellow John Constantino: ‘I Want To Make a Difference in My Students’ Lives and Be Someone They Can See as a Mentor and Role Model’ 

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.

John Constantino’s fifth-grade teacher inspired in him a love for learning. That, paired with a fascination with science, led him to NC State’s College of Education, where he is an incoming Teaching Fellow. 

This upcoming year, he said, he is looking forward to joining a community that shares his passion for education. 

Teaching Fellows are students who 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.

Meet John: 

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Major: Science Education

Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy playing video games, listening to music and watching sports.

Why did you choose NC State and the College of Education?

I chose NC State and the College of Education because of the level of quality and excellence NC State has to offer. I feel like going to NC State will prepare me with skills and knowledge required for my professional career as well as my personal development.

What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?

I was a new student from a different country, so everything was foreign to me, and I knew no one. My fifth-grade teacher made me feel included and helped me adjust to everything while also helping me enjoy what I was learning. I want to be someone like that for someone else in the future. I want to make a difference in my students’ lives and be someone they can see as a mentor and role model. 

Why did you choose your major?

I’ve always had a deep interest in science. Although science may be a complex subject, its complexity is what makes it interesting. I’ve struggled with science in the past, but I feel like my struggles will help me relate to the difficulties students may face with science in the future.

What does it mean for you to be named a Teaching Fellow?

To be named a Teaching Fellow here at NC State is something I am really proud of! Being able to be part of a community with individuals who share the same genuine passion for learning and teaching is something I am really looking forward to. Along with the financial stability, the program offers experiences and opportunities that will prepare us on our journeys to becoming educators.

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

I’m looking forward to meeting a whole bunch of new people here at NC State. As an introverted person at such a large school, I’m sure I’ll be able to break out of my bubble a little bit and get to know people from many different backgrounds.