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Why I Chose Education

Everyone has a different reason. What's yours?

Simple Question, Powerful Answers:

We asked educators why they chose to enter the field of education and they shared their inspiring stories. From current students to those who have worked in education for decades, take a look at why our alumni chose to make a difference in the lives of children.

“Education is a profession where you can see the impact that you are having on the world around you. You also get to grow with your students, as they learn, you learn, too. There aren’t many professions out there that allow for that.”

– Nicholas Massey ‘21MAT

Meet Nicholas 

“My goal and purpose has always been to make a positive impact in the lives of children. We know that a quality education is a game changer for all children, but is a dire need for children in poverty.”

– Valerie Bridges ’02MSA, ’10EDD

Meet Valerie 

Why Extraordinary Educators Choose Us:

Graduate
#1

college for education majors in North Carolina

Microscope
#1

Producer of STEM Educators in N.C.

Star
#1

most effective beginning teachers in North Carolina as rated by employers

Sources: College Magazine and UNC Educator Quality Dashboard

“I chose education because I want to help young students deepen their love for learning and take that forward with them as a lifelong passion and desire.”

– Matin Maani ‘22

Meet Matin 

We offer over 50 undergraduate, graduate and certificate options across our three departments.

Why Did You Choose Education?

Share why you chose the field of education and show your NC State College of Education pride on social media. Just tag your photos #WhyIChoseEducation on your Twitter or Instagram accounts.

Share your why 
Launched in summer 2021, the Transformational Scholarships Program has welcomed its second cohort in fall 2023. The program provides scholarships totaling $40,000 over four years to promising high school students from Eastern North Carolina who will return to the region to teach after graduating from our college.

Trisha Mackey, director of the Transformational Scholarships Program, talks more about the program and how graduating high school seniors can get involved.
Congratulations to John Lassiter ’09 on being named 2022-2023 Wells Fargo Northeast Regional Principal of the Year! 🤩

In receiving the award, he was recognized for the creative strategies Hertford Grammar School, which is located in a Tier One county, employs to provide a well-rounded education for its students.

“I didn’t want a kid’s education to be dictated by the zip code that they grew up in.”