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.

Find the program for you

‘Teaching is the Backbone of Humanity:’ Gen Z on the Teaching Profession

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘There’s Something About People Who Are in The Education Field Becoming Strong Leaders’ Says Robin Pate ’91

WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Education Has Helped Me See the World in Different Ways,’ Says Samaria Warsaw ’21MAT

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.

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Great conversation with @newsobserver about the teaching profession yesterday. 😁

Thank you to everyone who attended!

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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.”

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