Why I Chose Education

Everyone has a different reason. What's yours?

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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

Kelly Fitzgerald teaching high school math

Kelly Fitzgerald ‘89

“Every day my job is to get in that classroom and do the best I can that day, and if the students see that then that excitement will feed through them.”

Meet Kelly

Emma Wilson ‘21

“I want to teach kids to be kind and accepting of others and teach them to be confident in themselves while giving them the support they need to succeed.”

Meet Emma

“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

CHERELLE SANDERS ‘11

“I have learned that flexibility, hard work, time management and helping teachers and students see their worth can lead to rewarding opportunities.”

Meet Cherelle

Mark McLean ‘17

“If we want to change the world, if we want people to go into science, if we want people to learn about nanotechnology, then what we need is teachers who are excited about it.”

Meet Mark

Why Extraordinary Educators Choose Us:

#1

college for education majors in North Carolina

#1

Producer of STEM Educators in N.C.

#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

PETER ELEY ’08MED, ’11PHD

“I am motivated daily by the opportunity to have an impact. Everything is about impacting and inspiring people to be the best version of themselves, whatever that is.”

Meet Peter

CRYSTAL ESPEY ’11, ’18MSA

“Teachers can inspire and influence students both positively and negatively. I decided I wanted to be a positive influence.”

Meet Crystal

SABRINA SPENCER ’22MED

“I hope to apply the knowledge that I am learning to help young adults with their career exploration and goals.”

Meet Sabrina

Matin Maani ’22

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

Meet Matin

NICOLE RENWICK ‘20

“I wanted to become a teacher because I want to advocate for introverted students and teachers.”

Meet Nicole

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

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#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Education Really is an Opportunity For Me to Practice My Values Around Fostering Equitable Environments’ says Jemilia Davis ’19PHD

WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Believe the Classroom is Where The Difference is Made,’ Says Edgar Huff ’13MAT

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘There’s This Power in Being Able to Mentor and Develop Others,’ Says Richmond Hill ’01MED

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.

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Congratulations to three graduates who were selected to receive the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Awards during the college’s May 2023 Graduation Ceremony for their research efforts! 👏

🤩 Karen Marie Collier ’22PHD
🤩 Danielle Robin Scharen ’15, ’19MED, ’22PHD
🤩 Elizabeth Ashlyn Locklear ’22PHD

Karen won the award for the Department of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, Elizabeth won for the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development and Danielle won for the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences.

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As part of We Teach for NC Spring Break, a group of students visited three eastern North Carolina counties – Edgecombe, Senior and Wayne – on a three-day cultural immersion trip.

“Our goal of the trip is to show that education is valued and there are fantastic things happening in those counties, even though the data may not reflect that,” NC State Teaching Fellows Director Crystal Espey said.

Over the three days, the students were able to talk to many school leaders including Valerie Bridges ’02MSA, ’10EDD, the 2022 A. Craig Phillips N.C. Superintendent of the Year and 2019 North Carolina Principal of the Year Matthew Bristol-Smith ’14MSA to learn about different experiences, innovative and cutting edge things that rural districts are doing to support their students.

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#NCState23 Spotlight — Eduardo Herrera-Rodriguez 🎓

Eduardo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He chose elementary education because of the positive impact that education has had on his own life and how he seen it change lives. He wants to offer that same experience for kids that may have a similar upbringing as he did in this country while being a role model who may also look like them.

After graduation, he plans to work in a K-5 classroom and work with kids in all subject areas.

“I want to offer a welcoming environment and culturally responsive classroom where every single one of my students will feel as though they can and will do their best learning.”

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