Thank An Educator

Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends have been sharing stories about the educators who changed their lives as part of our Thank An Educator movement.

We asked you to share your stories about the educators who made a difference in your life and how they are transforming lives, schools and communities across North Carolina, the nation and the world.

Your #ThankAnEducator Stories

Thank You

from Sondra Ayscue '99MR

Mrs. Anne Smith was my mentor at Bunn Elementary School in Franklin County in my second year of teaching. She was and still is an amazing person and educator. Mrs. Smith was like my school mom in that she lead me through the trials of being a new educator and offered support that only an excellent teacher and carrying person could offer. I will forever be grateful to her.

Dr. Candy Beal changed my life by being a passionate powerhouse in middle grades education. Whenever I tell someone I am a middle school teacher, their first reaction is something of apology or applause. I will never forget how Dr. Beal said to respond to this situation. She said something to the affect of how it's the best part of the job and it is a privilege to work with these young adults. She also lit the fire in me for being passionate about history and creating opportunities for students to learn and become invested in their communities. Thank you Dr. Beal for what you have done and continue to do!

Haley Kerr '14

from Allison Price

Ms. Holmes was my fourth grade language arts teacher. She allowed me to be myself. I didn’t like to read and yet I loved her classroom. She helped me find ways to think outside the box and become curious about reading.

My middle school health and PE teacher, Mr. Tyson, taught me what it means to be genuinely interested in your students' lives. He invested in me, not just as a student or athlete, but as a person, always encouraging me to have character and to pursue a lifelong standard of excellence.

-Lauren Bowling '16MAT

Thank You

from Whitney Robertson

I can say with great confidence that Dr. Marc Grimmett has changed my life. . .I will always be grateful to [him] for being as authentic as he is for his students and community.

from Jasmine Wiggins

I've been lucky and have had several educators make an impact on my life. One in particular is Professor Robert Porter. He encouraged me to consider graduate school and acted as an incredible resource regarding scholarships and research/travel opportunities while I was in college.

My mother home-schooled me for many years and taught me how to be independent, responsible, and intellectually curious. She's a special education teacher for Louisa County Middle School in Virginia now, and continues to change lives every day through her passion and love for education.

- Kaitlyn Sewell

Thank You

Allison Echstenkamper ’14

My assistant principal always supported me during my first two years of teaching.

from Vance Herring '81

Dr. Willis Parker changed not only my life but many students within the School of Education and other universities my establishing Collegiate Chapters of VICA. He was a dedicated educator in the vocational and Industrial education department in the 70s and 80s. Dr. Parker had an amazing talent for memory and never forgot a single student he taught.

from Shaun Lynch

"[Dr. Hal J. Daniel III's] course challenged me academically and stimulated my lifelong interest in studying the human body. This experience changed my whole perspective on education and would become the foundation in my career trajectory."

Dr. Jim Hughes was my special ed professor, when I was at State '81-'82. He presented his lectures, with humor and warmth. After class, we'd meet him at local fun places to discuss the lesson and have fun!! Once, he scheduled a canoe trip for 6 of us to navigate New River; he made learning such fun! Thank you, Dr. Hughes, for your knowledge and the fun ways you used to impart it!!

Margaret St. John '83MS

From: Rachel Fenton

"[Mr. Jeffery Danielson] inspired me to become a teacher because I have always wanted to change the world, but I didn’t know how. And I can see through his example that I have the chance to change lives as a teacher."

Read Rachel's Note

A photo of Lisandra Mejia and her FFA advisor

From: Lisandra Mejia

"I saw the impact [my FFA advisor] made on students like me who wanted anything more than to be stuck in a classroom. She saw my potential and went the extra mile to ensure it was met."

Read Lisandra's Note

From: Corey Scott

"I just wanted to thank one of my very first professional mentors and friend, Mr. Braska Williams Jr. for caring. It is amazing how just a little time, mentorship, interest and overall care provided to a young adult can guide them successfully towards their dreams and destiny."

Read Corey's Letter

From: Alliyah Rich

"[Mr. Price] helped me find a passion for music, and he always helped me and my classmates reach our full potential. He cares so much about what he does, and he is exactly the kind of educator I want to be one day."

Read Alliyah's Note

From: Dominique Taylor ’17MAT

"A special thank you to my undergrad professor Dr. Paulette Dillard, she not only taught me science but she also taught me work ethic."

Read Dominique's Letter

"Mrs. Mason made learning fun and each day was an adventure. . . .I now strive to make my classroom as fun and inviting as Mrs. Mason’s and hope that my students also develop a love of learning as I did in her class."

-Olivia Jordan '15MED

"During a time where my home life was not stable, [Mr. Blendiger] stood strong and constant. He is one of the biggest reasons I became an educator because what he did for me is something I strive to do for others."

College of Education

Thank An Educator

We asked you to share your stories about the educators who made a difference in your life and how they are transforming lives, schools and communities across North Carolina, the nation and the world.

Your #ThankAnEducator Stories

Thank You

from Sondra Ayscue '99MR

Thank You

from Allison Price

My middle school health and PE teacher, Mr. Tyson, taught me what it means to be genuinely interested in your students' lives. He invested in me, not just as a student or athlete, but as a person, always encouraging me to have character and to pursue a lifelong standard of excellence.

Thank You

from Whitney Robertson

from Whitney Robertson

Thank You

from Jasmine Wiggins

My mother home-schooled me for many years and taught me how to be independent, responsible, and intellectually curious. She's a special education teacher for Louisa County Middle School in Virginia now, and continues to change lives every day through her passion and love for education.

Thank You

Allison Echstenkamper ’14

Allison Echstenkamper ’14

Thank You

from Vance Herring '81

Thank You

from Shaun Lynch

From: Rachel Fenton

From: Lisandra Mejia

From: Corey Scott

From: Alliyah Rich

From: Dominique Taylor ’17MAT

"Mrs. Mason made learning fun and each day was an adventure. . . .I now strive to make my classroom as fun and inviting as Mrs. Mason’s and hope that my students also develop a love of learning as I did in her class."

-Olivia Jordan '15MED

"During a time where my home life was not stable, [Mr. Blendiger] stood strong and constant. He is one of the biggest reasons I became an educator because what he did for me is something I strive to do for others."

-Jeffrey Henry