Alumni Profile: Brennon Register

Brennon Register is a 2024 graduate who was recently named Beginning Teacher of the Year. She currently teaches at South Topsail Elementary School. Below is a written interview with her.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

The one thing that inspired me to become a teacher was simple: I couldn’t escape it! Both in middle and high school I never outwardly stated that I wanted to teach but somehow I always found myself leading others. I remember trying out different clubs for different career fields, trying to find my pathway. However, the moment I knew I wanted to pursue teaching through college was reflecting on my years as a 4th and 5th grade small group teacher at my church. I realized after taking my group of girls to our yearly church summer camp, that I was meant to teach. It’s more than teaching academics (and if you think you are only teaching them how to read — good luck), it’s teaching them respect, love, accountability, teamwork, and how to lead with kindness.

What has been the most rewarding moment during your first two years of teaching?

Of course I would like to say the most rewarding part of my first two years is getting to be recognized as my school’s Beginning Teacher of the Year. When I enter my classroom, I focus on my kids and I. It is nice to know that others do take notice of the great things that happen in your classroom. However, I would also like to mention the most rewarding moments are when my students from years previous give me hugs in the hallway, come see me early in the morning before the bell, or have parents of past students come and chat with me. I know that I am only one step in each of my students’ journeys in life, but them taking the time to come see me means the world.

How did becoming a James and Connie Maynard Scholar and member of the Education Community of Scholars influence your journey as an educator?

Being a Maynard Scholar and a member of the Education Community of Scholars influenced my journey as an educator by allowing me to be the utmost prepared when entering the classroom. One characteristic that I would give teaching is “surprising.” Everyday I feel like I have whiplash from the absurd occurrences that happen in my classroom. Good crazy and bad crazy, you have to learn to go with it! Being a Maynard Scholar and a part of the Community of Scholars gave me great preparation for how to respond to situations and manage my classroom. Humbly, I have accepted compliments for how well I have faced the classroom as an intern and beginning teacher alike. It is the Education Community of Scholars and the wonderful staff at ECU to thank for that.

What does being named Beginning Teacher of the Year mean to you?

Being named the Beginning Teacher of the Year means to me that I am where God has planned for me to be. I do not believe being named BTOY makes me or anyone else more of a great teacher; rather it is a sign that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. In this day and age, I learn more and more about the hardships that we as teachers face. It is sometimes difficult to keep my head up and stay confident in my abilities. However, with my amazing admin, team, and students in my corner, I received this award knowing all the hours of work and exhaustion is worth it.

What do you currently teach, and what was your major/concentration area?

I am a second grade teacher at South Topsail Elementary School. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in English.