This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education introduces some of its first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.
The NC State College of Education will welcome nearly 400 new graduate students for the Fall 2021 semester. Meet three of them below and learn why they chose the College of Education and why they chose their areas of study.
Anna Howard
Princeton, North Carolina
Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences
Hobbies and Interests: Traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, watching movies, crafting and DIY projects, and spending time with my friends and family
What is your educational background?
I attended Johnston County Early College through high school and for my associate’s degree. I went on to attend Partnership East through East Carolina University for my bachelor’s in education. I continued at East Carolina for my master’s in education and now I’m coming to NC State for my Ph.D.
What is your professional background?
I have worked at various elementary schools in both Johnston and Wake counties. I have worked as a Title I tutor, EC Resource Teacher, and 3rd grade teacher over the last six years.
Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?
NC State has always been a favorite of mine! I loved visiting campus in high school and thought that they had an amazing education program. My dad and I have always been huge fans! Part of the Wolfpack since I was in onesies!
Why did you choose your program and area of study?
Being a teacher is a calling for me. I love teaching and being an important person for my students. I enjoy helping them learn and molding them into amazing little people. I love the way a child lights up when they finally learn something new that they have worked so hard to learn. Continuing my education allows me to be the best possible teacher that I can be!
What are your research interests?
I have a strong interest in teaching and learning more about children living in poverty. I want to conduct research to find the best strategies for teaching children in poverty, the effects of living in poverty and the under-identification of students living in poverty who are identified as academically and intellectually gifted.
How will this program help you accomplish your career goals?
I believe that this program will open many doors to allow me to conduct research, ask the tough questions and work with professors and mentors who can help guide my research and promote deep thinking and questioning.
Why did you choose education?
I love to learn and help others learn even when it is difficult. I hope to help as many students as possible develop the love of learning that my teachers helped me develop.
Rodney Pierce
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
M.Ed. in New Literacies and Global Learning — Middle Grades Social Studies
Hobbies and Interests: Reading, exercising, conducting historical research
What is your educational background?
I have an associate in arts in paralegal technology from Halifax Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from N.C. Wesleyan College.
What is your professional background?
I’ve taught sixth and eight grade social studies and civics and economics at Halifax County Schools and I currently teach eighth grade social studies at Nash County Public Schools. (Editor’s note: Rodney Pierce was named the N.C. Council for Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2019.)
Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?
I received an email from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s Social Studies Division about the college’s Ph.D. in Teaching Education and Learning Sciences program area of study in social studies education. After speaking with Assistant Professor Paula McAvoy and Associate Professor Meghan Manfra, who advised that 30 hours of the Master of Education degree would go into the doctorate in social studies education, I decided that, after considering all other options at other university programs, NC State made the most sense financially and in terms of convenience, as the New Literacies and Global Learning master’s program is online.
Why did you choose your program and area of study?
I want to obtain a master’s and a doctorate. The Master of Education in New Literacies and Global Learning – Middle Grades Social Studies program is a 30 to 36 hour degree program, where 30 hours of that degree goes into a doctorate in social studies education, so I will already have a considerable amount of hours towards a doctorate when I finish the master’s program.
What are your research interests?
I am interested in the African American History of northeastern North Carolina, African American History of the state of North Carolina, African American History of the United States and socioeconomic and political data of African Americans in those same geographic areas (education, health, wealth, land ownership, housing, etc.).
Why did you choose education?
Education is the field in which I can empower colleagues and students with my knowledge of African American history.
Additionally, my aunt and uncle, who helped my maternal grandmother, were both educators (the aunt who started as a kindergarten reading specialist and retired as the director of the early childhood development center in her district and the uncle who started as a classroom teacher and will retire as an assistant superintendent of his district). I also married a young lady who started as a classroom teacher who is now a media specialist pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership. I’m surrounded by educators within my family, giving me a circle of trust and counsel not available to many in this profession, so why not education?
Kristin Reddick
Greenville, North Carolina
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Hobbies and Interests: Music and movies, traveling, being a dog and plant mom and being a vegan foodie
What is your educational background?
I have a B.S. in business and marketing education from the College of Education.
What is your professional background?
I’ve worked in financial services for more than 13 years.
Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?
The program boasts diversity, multiculturalism, and focuses on theory and practice through the [Community Counseling Education and Resource Center].
Why did you choose your program area of study?
My close friends were having difficulties locating a counselor of color with capacity to take on new clients. But also during this pandemic, the nation has watched and experienced multiple tragedies. Feelings and emotions are reaching a tipping point. Eventually there will be an even greater demand for counselors. I want to be there to help others.
How will this program help you accomplish your career goals?
Upon completion of the program, I will be equipped to obtain my license and have a network of support.
Why did you choose education?
I have a heart and talent for teaching others, and helping them on their journey to self discovery.
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