(Campbell University was selected as one of four new institutions out of a total of 13 to participate in the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program in 2006)The School of Education welcomed its first class of Teaching Fellows this fall. The group of 13 enthusiastic students represents a variety of concentrations from elementary and middle grades to secondary biology, social studies, English and K-12 Spanish and music.The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is designed to attract high caliber students into the teaching profession. Funded by the General Assembly, the program awards $6,500 per year for four years to students who will major in education and agree to teach at least four years in a North Carolina public school. The qualifications for becoming a Teaching Fellow and hosting a Teaching Fellows program are stringent.Hailing from all corners of the state, the charter class of Campbell Teaching Fellows includes, Lauren Bajorek, of Cary; Jacob Bartlett, of Wilmington; Melissa Bickel, of Huntersville; Marissa Blake, of Hendersonville; Jessica Bryant, of Kenansville; Nikki Crumley, of Wilson’s Mills; Drew Frink, of Sunset Beach; Nicole Gallagher, of Fayetteville; Marcus Henderson, of Henderson; Justin Hill, of Chocowinity; Elizabeth Johnson, of Lincolnton; Tara Simpson, of Monroe; and Will Smith, of Eden. A two-day retreat at the Agape Center in Fuquay-Varina facilitated the students’ transition into a cohesive group. They were joined by two Advisory Committee members and former Teaching Fellows, Rob Guzman, assistant principal and Athletic Director, Terry Sanford High School; and Shannon Watkins, English teacher, Harnett Central High School. The program administrators are Dr. Carol Maidon, director, and Debbie Temple, administrative assistant.The fellows have formed a Leadership Council in which each member takes responsibility as an officer or committee member. Campbell’s multifaceted Leadership program includes service to the community, building leadership skills, study abroad, professional development, and other aspects, much of which the fellows plan. The Leadership Council has already planned its first service project to be held on Sept. 14, at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville where they will assist with a dinner for the physically challenged. The group has also planned a cookout to be held on Sept. 16.The opening speaker in the Leadership lecture series, a requirement for North Carolina Teaching Fellows, was Bill McNeal, executive director of the North Carolina School Administrators Association and former Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System. McNeal was the first North Carolinian to be named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. Using illustrations from “The Wizard of Oz,” McNeal explained that great teachers must possess heart, intelligence and character. He challenged the students to examine their strengths, expand their knowledge and reinforce these attributes.Future speakers in the Leadership Series include Secretary Elaine Marshall (Sept. 24); Dr. Edward Fubara, director of the MBA Program at Campbell University (Oct. 8); and James Bell (Nov. 5), a middle school teacher and the North Carolina Teacher of the Year. The public is invited to attend the Leadership lecture series. To reserve a seat, contact Debbie Temple at 910-893-1704 or [email protected]/* */.Photo Copy: Campbell University Teaching Fellows attend a freshman retreat. From left, Nicole Gallagher, Jacob Bartlett, Marcus Henderson, Will Smith, Nikki Crumley, Justin Hill, Drew Frink and Lauren Bajorek.
School of Education welcomes first class of Teaching Fellows