Q&A with Alumni
Hear firsthand from our alumni about the best parts of teaching and the impact of their time here at WCU.
Hallie Bishop '19 - B.S. Ed in Mathematics Education
High School Matematics: Brevard High School, Brevard, NC
The best part of being a teacher is....
The best part of being a teacher is knowing that my job matters. I have the opportunity to impact youth on a daily basis. My students know I care.
What is special about the teacher education programs at WCU?
The Mathematics Education program provides me with a nurturing, personalized experience. The professors took time to get to know me and have become people that I feel comfortable seeking advice from even after finishing the program.
What did you love most about your time at WCU?
My time at WCU gave me the freedom to explore my interests in the classroom while also exploring the outdoors. The safe environment at WCU encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, ultimately exposing me to habits and hobbies that I will carry with me for a lifetime.
Owen Armstrong '06 - B.S. Ed in Health and Physical Education
Grades 6-8 Physical Education: River Oaks Middle School, Raleigh, NC
The best part of being a teacher is....
Building positive relationships with students each year.
What is special about the teacher education programs at WCU?
WCU physical education program gives teachers lots of on the job training within schools across WNC which better prepares future teachers for the reality of education
What did you love most about your time at WCU?
Met my beautiful wife Amanda Armstrong class of 2009 Nursing program.
Lauren '07 - B.S. Ed in Elementary Education
All grades, ages, and subjects to students in China via VIPKID online ESL program
The best part of being a teacher is....
Getting a student to smile and feel confident about their learning to the point they ask questions and extend their lessons.
What is special about the teacher education programs at WCU?
I learned so much about the development of children and how to differentiate well
in the classroom which served me well in my brick and mortar classroom and is extremely
helpful as I teach all ages, levels and subjects to students in China on a one on
one basis. I also use this to develop teachable moments with my 15 month old daughter! She's
already learning her ABCs, numbers and [her] gross/fine motor development is taking off! Western’s professors get to know their students on a one on one basis in the education department
and encourages us to explore diversity and find hands on activities to make learning fun for our
students. This has carried throughout every aspect of my life now!
What did you love most about your time at WCU?
Learning how to be the best teacher truly was my passion while at Western. That and getting to know the area I live in now via participating in community volunteer activities or field trips that taught us how to use our natural resources for learning opportunities in all grade levels was what I loved about WCU and their creative professors.
Peter Peltack '14 - B.S. Ed in Secondary Science Education
11th Grade Physics: Cardozo Education Campus, Washington, DC
The best part of being a teacher is....
Being a teacher. I wake up energized knowing I'm giving my students new experiences in science.
What is special about the teacher education programs at WCU?
I was surrounded and supported by educators who not only believed I could make a difference in education, but pushed me to think critically about my lessons, management, and student work to put learning first.
What did you love most about your time at WCU?
I loved finding my second family at WCU. They are the people I collaborate with today in being better personally and professionally.
Maggie Elliott '16 - B.S. Ed in Art Education
High School Art: East Rutherford High School, Rutherford, NC
The best part of being a teacher is....
Watching a student’s face light up when they understand the content you are teaching. They feel proud and successful in their work and make you realize why you became a teacher!
What is special about the teacher education programs at WCU?
All teacher education programs are different, but are definitely suited to your subject content. Building strong relationships begins at WCU and continues on when you are working in your own classroom.
What did you love most about your time at WCU?
I loved building relationships, observing various teaching styles, the beautiful campus, and yelling, "GO CATS!"
Jarred Franklin '10 - B.S. Ed in Health and Physical Education
High School Health and Physical Education: Research Triangle High School, Durham, NC
The best part of being a teacher is....
Creating authentic relationships with students and watching them grow and mature into incredible adults.
What is special about the teacher education programs at WCU?
In the PE department I was able to learn from 2 professionals who had expansive teaching experience in public education. They were able to provide real insight on issues that would arise as a teacher and offer tangible solutions to those problems.
What did you love most about your time at WCU?
I was able to make lifelong friends at WCU. We were all groomsmen at each other's weddings. We created that bond over may tailgates and $.25 wings.
Learn More About Becoming a Teacher
Discover a Rewarding Career
Teaching is one of the few professions that offers the ability for individuals to improve the lives of children every single day. If you’re looking for a rewarding career, teaching is one to consider.