2023-25 PLA Cohort
Viridiana Arzate
Tyrrell County
Viridiana G. Arzate earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education in Spanish from Escuela Normal Superior de Nayarit in 2013.
Viridiana currently serves as the Multilingual Learners Coordinator for Tyrrell County Schools and teaches English as a Second Language for K-12. Prior to her current role, she has served as a member of the AIG and MTSS Committees as well as taught 9-12 grade Spanish. In addition to her current roles, she is an advisor of the Juntos Club and helps translate and interpret for the families of Tyrrell County.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy fellow, Viridiana is looking forward to learning effective leadership skills that will allow her to provide guidance, inspiration, and motivation for teachers, staff, students, parents and community members in her district.
Her favorites quotes are “Education is the most powerful weapon which can use to change the world” -Nelson Mandela and “The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” -Dr. Seuss.
Anda Barefoot
Sampson County
Anda Barefoot earned a BS degree in Biology Education from Campbell University in 1998 and an Associates of Applied Science degree in Horticulture Business Technology from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 1992. She also completed mentor training and served as a mentor and lead mentor over several years during her career. Additionally, she completed the AP Certification Process for Biology as well as the AIG Certification Process for Sampson County Schools.
Anda has worked in education for 25 years with 11 years in Harnett County Schools and 14 in Sampson County Schools. During her career, she has been recognized for awards and accomplishments by her peers in addition to receiving numerous grants for her school(s) as well as funding from Donors Choose grants. She has served her school communities as a 9-12 Science Teacher, Seminar Facilitator, Mentor and Lead Mentor, Department Chair, PLC Coordinator/facilitator, SIT chair and member, Science Instructional Coach, Science Liaison for Sampson County, Science Club Sponsor, Science Olympiad Coach, and a Continuing Education Teacher for Gardening classes. Currently, Anda serves as a Program Coordinator/Assistant Principal for Sampson Early College High School. In her role she serves as the AIG, Testing, MTSS and 504 Coordinator and Seminar Instructor for 3rd-5th year students. In her spare time, Anda enjoys flower gardening, reading, cooking, puzzles, and spending time with her pets and family.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy fellow, Anda hopes to grow professionally and develop a more extensive understanding of what it takes to become a good leader and advocate for students, teachers, parents, community and schools. She looks forward to developing and fostering relationships with others in the Cohort and university to open a line of communication and support. The Pirate Leadership Academy is a chance to fulfill a long-awaited dream of continuing her education. In the words of Journey “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Her favorite quotes are: “Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.”-Audrey Hepburn and “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
Colina Bartlett
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
Colina Bartlett earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Elizabeth City State University in 2001 and a Master of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University in 2009. In 2005, through Creating Visions, Inc., she earned an Academically/Gifted and Talented license. She earned National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT) in Early Middle Childhood Literacy: Reading Language Arts in 2012 with a recent renewal in 2022.
Colina has been recognized in various capacities. She received the 2023 Impact Educator Award from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Morehead-Cain, 2022 ECPPS Senior Scholar Award, and was voted Elizabeth City Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009. In 2023, #Teaching in Color Magazine featured her in their article, “#representation matters.” From 2019-2022 Colina worked with the North Carolina-Republic of Moldova School Partnership that included providing professional development to educators of Moldova and providing educational experiences for her students and students of Moldova. She presented “Soaring in Secondary” (2017) and “What’s Art Got to Do with It?” (2013) at the North Carolina Association for Gifted and Talented State Conference. Colina has been the recipient of many grants including NC Arts Council Artist Residency Level 1 Grant, Crayola’s Champion Creatively Alive Children’s Grant, and the Target Field Trip Grant.
Colina has served Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She has been an Instructional Coach, Reading Specialist, A+ Schools Coordinator, Instructional Technology Teacher, Homebound teacher, new teacher mentor, and an 8th grade ELA teacher. She has contributed to her district by serving as a long-term hearing panelist, testing coordinator, Summer Enrichment Academy Camp Coordinator, NBCT district coordinator, and adviser for River Road Middle School’s National Junior Honors Society. Currently, Colina is the AIG Facilitator for River Road Middle School and Northeastern High School.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy fellow, Colina seeks to gain experiences, skills and knowledge to become an effective administrator. She aspires to work collaboratively with students, teachers, parents, community, and all stakeholders to prepare our youth for a successful future. She believes that relationships matter and that is one of the key components tied to student success.
One of her favorite quotes is: “Just keep swimming.”-Dory
Brantley Barrow
Pitt County
Brantley Barrow earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from North Carolina State University in 2010. He began teaching in 2014 after completing his certification in Secondary History Education at East Carolina University. In 2018-2019, he was named the Teacher of the Year at DH Conley High School.
Brantley has served as a social studies teacher at DH Conley High School for the last ten years in Pitt County, where he taught various subjects. He served as Key Beginning Teacher from 2016-2017, Social Studies Department Chair from 2017-2023, School Improvement Team Chairman, and Leadership Chairman from 2018-2023. Under these leadership roles, Brantley facilitated meetings between department representatives to determine problems of practice, which helped to achieve school-wide goals.
Outside of the classroom, he was selected to participate in various county-wide professional development initiatives, such as the Teacher Executive Institute (2018), Impact Ventures Grant (2018-2020), and the Teacher Leadership Institute (2018-2020). Throughout his teaching career, Brantley has also completed subject area programs, such as the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Mount Vernon Teacher Academy, and the North Carolina Oral History Fellowship at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Brantley currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Chicod School, supporting students and staff in grades K-8. In this role, he works with the faculty and administration to provide the framework for students to reach their full potential.
As an ECU Pirate Leadership Academy Principal Fellow, Brantley hopes to learn strategies to improve the experience of educators and students alike. He looks forward to developing lifelong relationships through professional networking opportunities and engaging in his community in this new role.
“It’s hard to win an argument with an intelligent person, but it’s impossible to win an argument with an ignorant person” – Bill Murray
Dominique Bates
Pender County
Dominique Bates earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Winston Salem State University in 2007. He would later go on to earn his Master of Business Administration from Strayer University in 2016. He began his formal education career as a middle school business teacher. He was then promoted to Career Development Coordinator. He now serves Pender County Schools as CTE Director.
He has an expectation of excellence for himself and peers. He is very passionate about serving others in an educational capacity because he believes most times it’s a matter of life and death for young learners to be engaged by something or someone in education.
He feels the training and knowledge he will gain from the Pirate Leadership Academy will add to his toolkit of leading others in the district. He is highly interested in learning more about instructional leadership. As the CTE Director, he has created a culture and climate of positivity and high expectations that has been infectious with his staff and others that he works closely with. He wants to be able to build on that culture by being able to provide instructional resources that will result in positive student outcomes as well as further growth and development of staff members.
Maggie Belangia
Martin County
Maggie Belangia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education from Elizabeth City State University in 2015. Although she was initially licensed to teach science in grades 9-12, she began teaching middle school science immediately after graduation. She completed training to serve as a mentor teacher in July of 2022. She has taught sixth grade science in Bertie and Martin Counties. Most recently, she taught eighth grade science at South Creek Middle School in Martin County.
During her teaching career, Maggie has been awarded the Middle School Outstanding Science Teaching Award for District One in NC by the North Carolina Science Teachers Association in 2017. She was named Teacher of the Year for South Creek Middle for the 2022-2023 school year. In her teaching tenure, she has served on the School Improvement Team, Hospitality Committee, and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Committee.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy Principal Fellow at East Carolina University, Maggie hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective leader in education and to acquire the experience that will push her to her fullest potential to become an effective school administrator. She also hopes that this opportunity will allow her to become a better servant-leader and to make long-lasting relationships and connections that will benefit her students and fellow educators.
Her favorite educational quotes are as follows:
“Education must not simply teach work; it must teach Life.” -W.E.B. Du Bois
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
Katie Blanchard
Dare County
Katie Blanchard is a second-generation Dare County teacher, returning to the Outer Banks after completing two degrees from East Carolina University (BA & MAEd in Elementary Education). While she’s happiest in an elementary school, Katie also holds licensure in Middle Grades Language Arts and Academically Gifted instruction. Her passion for facilitating engaging, relevant, and diverse experiences for all children was recognized in 2017, when she was chosen as the Nags Head Elementary School Teacher of the Year by her colleagues. Following that honor, she was named Dare County Schools’ Teacher of the Year and selected as one of two regional finalists for the 2017-18 NC Region 1 Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she is National Board Certified.
Throughout her career, Katie has served her community on various committees, both on the school and district level. This year, she is chair of the School Improvement Team, a member of the building level MTSS core team and curriculum team and is helping to develop the district’s math pacing guides. Previously, she coached the school’s Battle of the Books and Math 24 teams, organized and led an after-school math club, and co-directed several school musicals. She has also received numerous grants to fund initiatives such as a bilingual book club (The Wave Readers) for students, Number Talk books for staff, and the Bridges Intervention curriculum.
Katie initially worked at Nags Head Elementary School as a third-grade teacher, but currently works as a math interventionist and instructional coach within the building. In this role, she delivers professional development in weekly PLC meetings and works with teachers in monthly Kid Talks to develop core and supplemental intervention plans for their students. Additionally, she delivers research-based interventions to students needing intensive support.
As a PIRATE Leadership Academy fellow, Katie hopes to gain a robust skillset to prepare her for furthering her career into the land of school administration. She looks forward to expanding her lens of education through her coursework and conversations with colleagues.
When she’s not in her classroom, Katie is teaching her own children the lyrics to Hamilton, playing with her family anywhere near water, traveling as much as possible, and chatting with friends about what she’s reading.
One of her favorite quotes is “No matter who we are or what we look like or what we may believe, it is both possible and, more importantly, it becomes powerful to come together in common purpose and common effort.” – Oprah Winfrey
Savannah Blystone
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
Savannah Whitehurst Blystone earned a Bachelor of Science in History Education from East Carolina University in 2014. She also earned a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University in 2021.
Savannah has served Elizabeth City-Pasquotank schools as a high school history teacher and most recently as a high school instructional coach. She has held many leadership roles serving on the School Improvement Team, History Department Chair, and Clinical Teacher for ECU’s student teaching program. She has also led numerous professional developments focused on classroom management, data driven instruction, global learning, and culturally relevant teaching.
She aims to become a principal who gives back to the school and community. Her values and passion for rural education and giving back to the community closely align with the Pirate Leadership Academy. Ultimately, she wants to be an administrator that students and teachers look back on and say they felt safe, heard, and wanted.
Lacoyia Cobb Eure
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
Lacoyia Cobb Eure earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2004 at Elizabeth City State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from Fayetteville State University in 2010.
Lacoyia joined the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools in August 2007 as a K-5 special education teacher. During her assignment she collaborated with classroom teachers and advocated for student needs. Following that assignment, Lacoyia provided specially designed instruction for students in grades Kindergarten – 5th grade who were identified under the severe/profound disability category.
In 2015 she began serving as a preschool coordinator. In this role, she served as the district liaison to coordinate with outside agencies and parents in processing referrals and determining services for students transitioning from Part C (i.e. birth to 2 years) to Part B (i.e. 3 years through 21 years) special education services. Lacoyia was named the district Exceptional Children’s Teacher of the year for the 2022-2023 school year. She currently serves as a Program Specialist within the Department of Exceptional Children. She consults with district administrators, school-based administrators, and instructional staff members to support programs and services for students with disabilities.
As a member of the ECU Pirate Leadership Cohort, Lacoyia wants to continue to learn skills on how to be an effective leader who can lead change within the school community and community at large.
One of the quotes that she lives by is: “God answers the mess of life with one word: Grace.” – Max Lucado
David Combs
Lenoir County
David Combs earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Mount Olive in Exercise Science in 2011. Throughout his career he has dedicated himself to the development of student athletes and preparing students for life after high school. He was a recipient of the Blue Devil Excellence Award in the 2022-2023 school year. This award exemplifies the achievement of staff members that go “above and beyond” for their school.
David has served as the Head Varsity Baseball Coach from 2012-2023 at South Lenoir High School. He had winning seasons each year and sent over twenty student-athletes to college to pursue a college athletic career. He was the Athletic Director for the 2022-23 school year, in which he dedicated himself to facility improvement, program development, and student-athlete achievement. He implemented over $100,000 in renovations to the facility. In addition, David served as an assistant football coach from 2012-2022 with Lenoir County Public Schools. He focused on skill development and developing young men to be successful in life after high school.
Currently, Mr. Combs is serving as an Assistant Principal for Lenoir County Public Schools and is focused on serving the community. He focuses on curriculum aligned instruction, implementing technology in the classroom, and tactics to prepare students for success. He enjoys working closely with school leaders to prepare a plan to enrich students’ learning experiences in the classroom.
As a Pirate Leadership Fellow, David wants to become a school leader that understands the process and is willing to put the time and effort into each student, for them to reach their goals. He wants to learn how to effectively work with staff members to reach as many students as possible and inspire them to reach their full potential. David believes that the community is a vital part of any school system and wants to learn tactics to effectively collaborate and grow his community.
Mr. Combs lives by the quote, “What happens yesterday is history. What happens tomorrow is a mystery. What we do today makes a difference.” Nick Saban.
Kayla Edwards
Pitt County
Kayla Edwards earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University in 2012 and received additional certifications in Middle Grades Mathematics and Science. In 2020, she received her Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in High School Mathematics from East Carolina University.
Throughout her teaching career, Kayla has garnered esteemed accolades. In 2018, she was honored with the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year at North Pitt High School, acknowledging her outstanding teaching abilities and dedication to her students. In September 2020, she received the distinction of being named the PCS Math Teacher of the Month, a testament to her exemplary skills in the field of mathematics instruction. Throughout her tenure at various schools, Kayla has consistently assumed numerous leadership positions, underscoring her capacity for effective organizational and collaborative endeavors. Notable, she has taken on roles such as PBIS Chair, Student Government Association Chair, Collaborating Teacher in the Math I Community of Practice, Beginning Teacher Mentor, Link Crew Co-Chair, AVID Site Team Member, Equity Partner, School Improvement Team Chair, Indistar Process Manager, District PLC Facilitator, Awards Day Coordinator, Grade Level Team Leader, and has actively participated in numerous committees over the course of her career.
Kayla has an extensive background in education, beginning her teaching career in middle school where she taught 6th grade math and science as well as 8th grade math and math I. Continuing her professional journey, Kayla transitioned to the high school level, dedicating four years to teaching math I. Within the role, she also assumed the position of Twilight Facilitator, providing invaluable tutoring services to students in need of credit recovery classes. Additionally, during the summer months, Kayla took on the responsibility of Senior Summer Success Academy Facilitator, offering crucial support to seniors requiring additional assistance to meet graduation requirements. Kayla’s commitment to education led her back to the middle school setting, where she once again taught 8th grade math and math I.
Kayla currently serves as the K-8 Instructional Coach for GR Whitfield School. In this role, she works to build the efficacy of teachers as leaders through data driven individualized professional development through PLCs. She is the driving force behind initiatives that align with school improvement goals.
As an East Carolina University Pirate Leadership Academy principal fellow, Kayla hopes to acquire a deeper understanding of various management principles and practices. She aspires to sharpen her analytical and critical thinking abilities, allowing her to identify and solve complex systematic problems. She aims to develop the ability to inspire and motivate others, manage conflicts, and drive positive change for the students of Pitt County Schools.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
Shaun Edwards
Onslow County
Shaun Edwards, Sr. graduated from The University of Maryland University College in 2015 with a B.A. in Humanities. He earned his Master’s in Adult Education through East Carolina University in 2017. He also earned certificates in Multicultural and Transnational Literature and Community College Instruction. Shaun earned all his degrees while he was serving on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. After 20 years of service, he retired and started teaching at Dixon High School in Onslow County where he awarded the title of Teacher of the Year, voted for by his peers and the students of the class of 2023.
While at Dixon High School, Shaun taught 11th grade American Literature for five years. He felt most comfortable teaching this age group because they were in a position where they needed to look at their futures. In this role, he collaborated with the school’s Career Development Coordinator which helped the students write research papers and conduct surveys about their impending futures. He served as the teacher sponsor of the Interact Club, which gave students an opportunity to work in the on-campus greenhouse and with the local Rotary Club for volunteer opportunities. He also led the Dawg Pound School Spirit Club, which was responsible for school mascot appearances, the yearly powderpuff game, and schoolwide student incentives to boost academic performance. In addition to the school clubs, he spearheaded an Adopt-a-Highway program that was established in 2019. Students were afforded the opportunity to earn certificates signed by the governor of North Carolina and be a part of a program where they could physically see the changes they made to their community. Lastly, he was also a football, basketball, and spring track coach. Shaun is currently serving as an administrative intern at Dixon Middle School.
Through the Pirate Leadership Academy, Shaun hopes to learn the intricacies of an being an administrator and how to be effective in that role. In the classroom, he created some of the most comfortable spaces on campus, and he hopes to learn how to amplify that effect through his internships and when he is placed on staff after finishing the program.
He lives by the mantras of living everyday as if it is your last and always strive to be the best version of yourself. Shaun created a quote that he lives by as well, which is: “Great teachers teach where there is a need to learn.”
Natasha Faircloth
Clinton City
Natasha Faircloth, earned her undergraduate degree from Fayetteville State University (Bronco Pride, can I get an attitude check!) She graduated in May of 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Banking & Finance. She received her North Carolina educator license from Mount Olive University in the Fall of 2015. Throughout her career she has been nominated as Most Influential Educator of the Year and Life Changer of the Year in 2018.
Ms. Faircloth has served as a Family & Consumer Science Teacher for over eight years with Sampson County Schools. She taught Child Development, Principles of Family & Human Services and Foods & Nutrition I & II. In addition to teaching, she was the Chair of the Senior Dinner Committee and served as a voice on the School Improvement Team. Ms. Faircloth also served as the chapter advisor of the Family, Career Community Leaders of America for many years at Lakewood High School. She currently serves as an 8th grade CTE Business & Employment teacher and Career Development Coordinator with Clinton City Schools. As a Career Development Coordinator, she focuses on bringing career awareness to fifth through eighth grade students. Faircloth is a firm believer that early experiences provide the best foundation and approach to students’ growth. Due to her dedication and her hard work ethic, she was chosen by her current school district to receive her Master of School Administration from East Carolina University
As a Pirate Leadership Academy fellow, Ms. Faircloth is looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of leadership skills needed to provide service to her community. She is looking forward to building relationships and developing her role as a leader in and outside of the school. Ms. Faircloth believes that inclusion and diversification are essential pieces to a puzzle in order for all individuals to feel that they have a seat at the table.
“Every child deserves a champion – an adult that will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” -Rita Pierson.
Latisha Freeman
Bertie County
Latisha Freeman earned her undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Elizabeth City State University in 2002. She earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Computer Education from University of Phoenix in 2010. During her teaching career she was selected as Bertie Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015 and 2020-2021.
In 2018, she and her students were featured in the Leaders in Education magazine and Pitsco Network Magazine (April-May edition). She and her class were a part of a pilot program in which PITSCO STEM Expeditions were implemented. The article shared their experiences about the new curriculum throughout the year as well as the positive impact it had on their class.
Latisha has served as an Encore grade level chair, a member of Schools that Lead, Literacy Design Collaborative, and the School Improvement Team while at Bertie Middle School. Over the past 17 years, she taught Career and Technical Education for grades 6-8 in the program areas of Business Education and Technology Education. She also tutored 7th grade students in Math afterschool.
Currently, Latisha is the Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator for Bertie County Schools. In this position, she adheres to state/district policies and plans pertaining to beginning teachers. Her focus is to ensure that teachers transition smoothly at the start of their career and ultimately remain in the education profession. She collaborates with beginning teachers, mentor teachers, and principals to discuss and determine how beginning teacher needs can be met.
As an ECU Principal Fellow, Latisha desires to be an effective leader who makes decisions that will positively influence student achievement in her district. She anticipates gaining knowledge of leadership best practices from professors and collaboration among members of her cohort.
Latisha has a passion for learning and one her favorite quotes is: “If we create a culture where every teacher believes they need to improve, not because they are not good enough but because they can be even better, there is no limit to what we can achieve.” – Dylan Wiliam
Tenisha Holloway-Powell
Pitt County
Tenisha Yvette Holloway-Powell earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 2011. She later earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Gardner-Webb in 2015.
Mrs. Holloway-Powell was named Key Beginning Teacher and Beginning Teacher of the year in 2015. She was a member of the district’s Beginner Teacher Panel where she shared her first-year experiences with beginning teachers across the district.
Over the past 11 years, Mrs. Holloway-Powell has served in a variety of mentoring and leadership roles for her school and district. Those roles include School Improvement team member, AVID Site Coordinator, Mentor, Learning Focused trainer, and Instructional Coach. She has also taught 6th-8th grade English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and AVID.
Tenisha is currently serving as the Instructional Coach at C.M. Eppes Middle School, focusing on grades 6th-8th. Her responsibilities include working on curriculum alignment, instructional pacing, facilitating PLC’s, planning lessons, analyzing data, and providing professional development based on the needs of staff and students.
As a member of the East Carolina University Pirate Leadership Academy, Tenisha is looking forward to developing the knowledge and leadership skills to become an effective servant leader.
Her favorite quote is “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela
Brenna Hopkins
Pender County
Brenna Hopkins earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2015. In 2017 she began teaching at Burgaw Middle School where she taught CTE courses for 5 years while completing the Lateral entry requirements. In 2022 she earned a Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University. She began working as a School Counselor in 2021 at West Pender Middle School. Although her path to education was alittle different and the desire was unknown, she always knew her true purpose was to work with children in some capacity. The field of education is broad enough that she has been able to grow in her purpose on different levels.Brenna worked closely with the Communities in Schools organization to provide after school enrichment opportunities for students. Brenna has also served as the school improvement team chair at West Pender Middle School and was an active member of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports team. Through her close work with school administration, Brenna has helped facilitate a positive working and learning environment for staff and students.As a member of the Pirate Leadership Academy, Brenna hopes to make a greater impact on her school community. Through her service leadership projects, Brenna’s plan is to help build bridges that are needed to help close student achievement gaps and reach each student where they are. She wants to be the type of leader that makes a difference, rather than just being in a role. Brenna is confident that she will do great things while learning through the Private Leadership Academy.
One of her favorite leadership quotes is: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
Jennifer Kelsey
Camden County
Ms. Jennifer Kelsey graduated in 1997 with an Associates in Applied Science in Deaf Studies and in 1999 with her BA in Bible and Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. In 2004, she added a Master’s in Education with a concentration in K-12 Cross Categorical Special Education from Regent University. She also holds certifications in K-6 Elementary Education as well as Middle Grades Math. Ms. Kelsey earned her National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist: Early Childhood through Young Adulthood, in 2008 as well as renewing it in 2018. She was chosen as Camden Intermediate School’s Teacher of the Year in March of 2009 and as America’s Most Inspiring Teacher in February of 2012 after nationwide voting. In addition to her public-school career, she has taught for Mid Atlantic Christian University as an adjunct professor.
Ms. Kelsey has taught for 24 years in Camden (15 years) and Wake (9 years) Counties. She has a vast range of experience having taught K-6 Special Education, emotional behavioral students, and middle school math. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Kelsey has served in various leadership roles. She has served as School Improvement Team Chair, Special Education Chair, on the MTSS/ Intervention Team, Behavioral Response Team, School Safety Committee, Special Education Department Chair, and team leader.
Ms. Kelsey has had the opportunity to run after school tutoring programs at the schools she has served. She is a big proponent and volunteer for Arts Education Programs in Schools. Her added love for volleyball also allowed her to coach High School volleyball for two years while in Raleigh.
The one thing that Ms. Kelsey is most passionate about in her current teaching role is reaching students with trauma backgrounds and teaching staff to be trauma informed. Ms. Kelsey has dedicated the last 13 years of her life to being an advocate of foster care and adoption, as both an adoptive foster mom and a MAPPS class trainer. This is the work that she is most passionate about and will often lead PD on the subject, as well as supporting current foster parents.
Her favorite statement that can be heard daily in her classroom is, “Love you, mean it,” because she fully believes that all students need to know unconditional love from trusted adults. Most students are drawn to her quick wit and humor within the classroom and building relationships with students is something she prides herself on.
As she embarks on this Pirate Leadership School journey, Ms. Kelsey is entering with an open mind and most desires to help her teaching peers feel supported in an educational system where mental health needs are ever increasing. Coming alongside staff to keep turnover at a minimum while providing students with access to a safe place to learn is what is driving her decision to pursue her administration license. She is excited to embark on this journey!
William Keys
Pitt County
William Keys completed undergraduate studies at East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in History. He joined Pitt County Schools via Lateral Entry where he completed coursework through ECU to obtain K-6 Elementary Licensure. William also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University in Raleigh, NC.
William began his education career at Eastern Elementary, teaching 5th-grade Math and Social Studies. During his time at Eastern Elementary, William served as the 5th-grade level chair, PLC facilitator, clinical teacher, PBIS committee member, STEM Innovator, and a member of the School Improvement Team. William also functioned as a Collaborating Teacher on the 4th and 5th grade Mathematical Community of Practice (C.O.P). The problem of practice for the C.O.P is to increase Multiplication fact fluency and Mathematical word problem academic performance through writing and blended learning. William was selected as a participant in the Pitt County Teacher Executive Institute in 2022, a one-year program that aims to cultivate teacher leaders and academic success.
William currently serves as an Assistant Principal at North Pitt High School. He strives to make a difference through servant leadership by making himself accessible to students and staff. His purpose is to foster meaningful relationships with the student population, help professionally develop educators, and positively impact the community.
As an ECU Principal Fellow, William wants to grow as an effective leader. He desires to gain valuable leadership skills to impact the lives of students, staff, and the community. He is embracing the opportunity to gain practical experience that will enable him to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
William lives under the mantra of “Maintaining.” Based on the biblical precedent of Philippians 4:6-7, for him, “Maintaining” is taking a proactive approach to stimuli by displaying a positive mindset through stressful circumstances. It is the prioritization of peace over worry by never getting too high or too low in his emotions.
Kevin McRoy
Beaufort County
Kevin McRoy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from East Carolina University in 2009. He has worked in Beaufort County Schools for the last 14 years. In 2009, he began teaching 6th and 7th grade Math at PS Jones Middle School. In 2012, he transferred to Southside High School to teach NC Math 1. In 2019, he returned to PS Jones to continue teaching Math 1 and Math 2.
In 2022, he was awarded Teacher of the Year for PS Jones Middle School. During his time at PS Jones and Southside, he has served in several leadership roles. While at Southside, he served as Head Varsity Baseball coach, Math Department Chair, Attendance Committee member, PowerSchool lead teacher, and a Beginning Teacher mentor. During his time at PS Jones, he has served as Head Baseball Coach, 8th Grade Level Chair, member of the Teacher Advisory Council and Core Academic Team, and a mentor.
He has also served as the Beaufort County Schools teacher representative for the Strategic Planning Committee. He was a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Cohort during the 2022 school year. He also co-planned the Math 1 Summer Bridge program for Beaufort County Schools.
He currently serves as Assistant Principal at PS Jones Middle School in Washington, NC. In this role, he helps support the principal and staff in the planning and implementation of school policies and procedures. He enjoys building and supporting relationships with students, parents, and all community members. He strives to be a positive voice in the planning and implementation process.
As a member of the Pirate Leadership Academy, he is looking forward to continuing to grow as a school leader. He is excited to learn and enhance his leadership skills to become an effective leader that helps lead a dynamic and thriving school that promotes student success through research-based practices.
One of his favorite quotes is, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”-Babe Ruth
Shanika Murphy
Duplin County
Shanika R. Murphy is an accomplished educator with a strong academic background and a passion for teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-6 with a minor in Child Studies from East Carolina University in May 2008. Following her undergraduate studies, she obtained a Master of Arts in Reading with an emphasis in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in November 2021.
Throughout her career, Shanika has been recognized for her outstanding contributions as an educator. Her commitment to academic excellence is further exemplified by her membership in the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, to which she was elected in February 2021 while attending Grand Canyon University. She was honored as Teacher of the Year for Rose Hill Magnolia Elementary in Duplin County, NC, in both 2014-15 and 2022-23. Her dedication and excellence in teaching led to her selection for Duplin County Schools’ 2023 Bright Spots publication to represent her school.
In addition to her teaching roles, Shanika has actively taken on leadership responsibilities such as serving as a co-chair coordinator for her school’s beginning teacher support program and being a mentor for several years. She also served as a Partnership Host Teacher for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) and participated in district-wide professional development for ELA (English Language Arts) and science curriculum for 5th grade. Shanika has shown her commitment to her school by serving on several committees, including School Improvement, Curriculum Development, and the teacher interview committee. Additionally, she has been the grade level chair for fifth grade for multiple years.
Shanika’s teaching career spans 15 years as a North Carolina public-school educator. Most of her career has been spent as a 5th grade ELA and science educator, totaling twelve years in this role. She has taught various grade levels, including 1st, 2nd, and 8th-grade English Language Arts, and she also taught 3rd grade Read to Achieve summer camp. Furthermore, she gained valuable experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult High School at the local community college from 2017 to 2020.
Shanika is excited to engage in the Pirate Leadership Academy to further develop her leadership skills and navigate educational policies effectively to advocate for students and teachers. She aspires to become a school administrator and influence students’ families and community stakeholders to support and invest in students’ learning, reflecting her own positive experience attending and graduating from Duplin County Schools.
The quote “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” from Ms. Frizzle reflects Shanika’s adventurous and innovative spirit as an educator, willing to embrace challenges and explore new approaches to enhance her students’ learning experiences.
Betsy O’Hara
Brunswick County
Betsy O’Hara earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Utica College in 2000. She began teaching in 2004 and became certified in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Math, and Middle Grades English Language Arts. Most recently, Betsy taught Eighth Grade Math and Math 1.
Throughout her career, Betsy has been recognized for several awards. She was selected as the Cedar Grove Middle School Teacher of the Year, The Brunswick County Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Brunswick County Schools Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. She was also selected as the Southeast Education Alliance Hybrid Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021. In 2014, Betsy was selected as Harnett Central Middle School Teacher of the Year.
As Brunswick County’s Teacher of the Year, she served as the chair for the Teacher Advisory Council where she collaborated with the Cabinet, the Board of Education, and her fellow teachers of the year across the district to make positive changes for Brunswick County Schools. Betsy was also selected to be on the North Carolina State Teacher Leadership Council and the Southeast Region Teacher Leadership Council. Through these councils, she was able to grow as a teacher-leader by sharing ideas, getting and providing feedback, collaborating with other educators, and networking with stakeholders throughout the state and southeast region. She was also selected to be on the North Carolina Collaborative for Mathematics Learning Visions 6-8 Co-Design Team from 2022 to present. The team’s focus is to provide more equitable mathematics learning opportunities, supports, and outcomes for educators and students.
Betsy has also served her school community in numerous roles. She has been a member of the School Leadership Team, the lead for the Math Department, the grade level chair for the eighth-grade team, a co-chair for National Junior Honor Society, and has coached several sports, including basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. She has also provided professional development to her peers within her school, her county, and at the state and national level.
Betsy is excited to join the ECU Pirate Leadership Academy and grow her leadership skills as a Principal Fellow. She is looking forward to gaining valuable knowledge on how to be a highly effective leader. She looks forward to focusing on inspiring teachers, cultivating a positive school culture, building community relationships, and motivating students to be successful in all avenues of their life. She is passionate about continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of students and their families in the Brunswick County Schools community.
“Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” – Henry Brooks Adams
Clarence Pointe II
Martin County
Clarence Pointe II earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management from East Carolina University in 2013. After working in the business management field for a few years, Clarence decided to pursue a career in education. In 2022, he became a licensed teacher with the state of North Carolina. He was awarded the WITN Teacher of the Week award later in that school year for his dedication to students and efforts to lead many different groups within his school.Clarence began his career in education in 2018 at Riverside High School as an ISS instructor. He was in this role for 1 year. He then went on to serve as a 9th-12th grade CTE teacher for the next 4 years at the same school. In addition to teaching, he was the Track & Field coach, Women’s Basketball coach, Gospel Choir instructor, and created a community service-based group named “Men of Valor” for the school. Throughout his Track & Field coaching tenure, Pointe was named “Coach of the Year” 3 times, his teams won 5 overall conference championships, and he coached 2 student athletes who went on to win 4 individual event State Championships. Pointe also served on the school’s Diversity Board, School Spirit Team, and was an assistant coach for Boys Basketball and Varsity Football. Clarence also assisted in Riverside High School’s Athletic Remediation Program “ACES.”
As a Pirate Leadership Academy Fellow, Clarence ultimately desires to further develop his leadership skills and relationship building skills that he’s learned within the classroom and throughout life. As a result, he believes he will become a more effective role model and leader for the students and staff that he’ll serve. He aims to learn the best practices for creating an environment of learning and success for students, while creating an environment of cohesiveness, collaboration, and engagement amongst staff. Additionally, he seeks to collaborate with students, parents, board members, community members, and district staff to “better Martin County’s best” and ensure each student experiences growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
Pointe believes that every student, teacher, and staff member has the desire to become a better version of themselves, and that one of the best places for that potential to be unlocked is within the school building.
Ashley Richardson
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
Ashley Richardson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Elizabeth City State University in 2010 with a concentration in Journalism and Communications, and her Academically Gifted and Talented Certification for grades K-12 from Barton College in 2019. Ashley was selected as Elizabeth City Middle School Teacher of the Year (2019-2020) and was recognized as a Teacher Achieving Excellence in 2023 from Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools. She is an active member of the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented.Previously, Ashley served as a Language Arts Teacher for Elizabeth City Middle School, where she was the School Improvement Chair from 2020-2022, and a teacher on the Instructional Leadership Team. She was one of two teachers selected at her school to be a Teacher Leader for Schools that Lead. Ashley has been dedicated to developing new teachers for the past five years as a beginning teacher mentor. She devoted her time as a cheer coach from 2019-2020, and as a member of the MTSS and AVID Team. Ashley has facilitated several professional developments for staff, her district, and the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education. She has helped with the development of pacing guides and creating units of instruction for middle school Language Arts. Ashley has published work as a guest blogger for Edutopia and continues her love of writing through her small business, Top Prospect Writing Service. Here she collaborates with her community offering resume, business, grant writing and notary services.
Currently, Ashley divides her time between elementary schools in Elizabeth City as a Gifted Facilitator. In this role, she fosters creative thinking and problem-solving skills for children in grades K-5 and assists teachers with best practices for differentiating instruction within the classroom. She is the lead Advisor for Student Council and the Co-Chair of the SIT team at Northside Elementary.
Through the Pirate Leadership Academy, Ashley hopes to further develop her leadership skills and acquire new knowledge to become a well-rounded administrator. She hopes to meet new professionals who share similar interests but offer different perspectives. She looks forward to gaining lasting relationships.
Ashley’s educational leadership philosophy is rooted in equity. She believes in meeting people where they are to get them to where they need to be. One of her favorite quotes is by Zora Neale Hurston, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” Ashley believes that everything happens for a reason and that God’s plans are always intentional.
Melissa Sanders
Wayne County
Melissa Sanders earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 2001. She has been an educator for 21 years and has taught in Craven and Wayne counties. She has taught Kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth and sixth grade. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2011 at JT Barber Elementary School in New Bern.She has held many leadership roles during her career. She has served as grade chair and on the school improvement team many times. In Craven County, she served as the Reading Goal Team manager for her school as well as on the district’s Reading Goal Team. In these positions, she planned and organized meetings to collaborate with other educators to analyze school data, look for areas of improvement, and worked with other educators to plan instruction. She has also been a mentor for new teachers and supported clinical interns in her classroom throughout her career. She was a Model Reading Classroom in Craven County and demonstrated reading instruction for other educators.
This year she will be a Beginning Teacher Coordinator for Wayne County Public Schools. In this role she will provide support and assistance to beginning, lateral entry, and international teachers to ensure their effectiveness in the classroom by working with school administrators and mentor teachers.
As a Pirate Leadership Fellow, Mrs. Sanders looks forward to the opportunity to meet and work with mentors and colleagues to help her on her educational journey. She is a big believer in teamwork. She believes everyone has something to offer and that you can learn so much from listening and working with others. The fellowship will provide her with the knowledge and skills that she will need to be an effective leader. She will strive to extend the knowledge she has gained as a leader in the classroom to become an effective administrator in her county.
Mike Self
Carteret County
Mike Self earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from East Carolina University in 2008. Throughout his tenure, Mike’s dedication to teaching excellence has been acknowledged on multiple occasions. Notably, he was honored to be selected as Teacher of the Year title twice, first in 2013 at Chowan Middle School and later in 2016 at Broad Creek Middle School. In 2014, Mike’s passion and talent as an early career band director were acknowledged with the Encore Award for Excellence, presented by the NC Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association, and in 2019 Mike Self and the Croatan High School Wind Ensemble were selected to perform at the NC Music Educator’s In-Service Conference.Mike has served his school in multiple capacities during his career as a mentor to beginning teachers, team leader, and chairperson of the School Improvement Team. He has also served the Eastern District of the NC Bandmaster’s Association as Senior High School Auditions/Clinic Chairperson and President-Elect. He has taught middle and high school students for the past fifteen years and, most recently, was the Band Director at Croatan High School in Carteret County, North Carolina. While teaching at Croatan, he has built upon a rich history of success and has led many students to recognition for various honors on both the state and national levels.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy (PLA) Fellow, Mike hopes to gain skills that will allow him to become an even more impactful educator, mentor, and leader, creating a lasting positive impact on his students and the broader educational community.
Mike believes that each day presents us with the opportunity to grow and improve, and one of the most powerful tools we possess for this journey is reflection. By taking the time to look back on our experiences, learn from our successes and failures, and make conscious adjustments, we can ensure that we become the best version of ourselves with each passing day.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
Aaron Speas
Pitt County
Aaron Speas earned his Bachelor of Arts in Special Education degree from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2014. Upon graduation, Aaron commenced his career in education serving as a special education teacher at Rocky River High School located in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district. It was in this post that Aaron earned the distinction of “2014-2015 Rocky River High School Rookie of the Year”.In 2015, Aaron relocated to Greenville, NC where he continued to serve as a special education teacher at Bethel School and South Central High School located in the Pitt County School district from 2015-2019. During his time at South Central High School, Aaron served as the Exceptional Children’s Department Chair and as a member of the School Improvement Team (SIT) from 2017-2019. Furthermore, Aaron had the privilege of serving as the Falcon’s head junior varsity baseball coach from 2016-2018.
In 2019, Aaron transitioned from South Central High School to the role of Pitt County Schools Exceptional Children’s Department High School Program Coach. In 2020, Aaron was elevated once again to the role of Pitt County Schools Exceptional Children’s Department Middle School Program Specialist. In these roles, Aaron provided programmatic oversight, training, resources, and support to teachers, administrators, support staff, and families to ensure an awareness of and adherence to federal, state, and district policies governing services for children with disabilities.
Desiring to return to a school site position, Aaron briefly transitioned to Southside High School located in the Beaufort County School district where he served as the Math Interventionist and MTSS Coordinator from 2021-2022. In these capacities, Aaron worked in collaboration with other school and district leaders to establish a research-based and data driven intervention program designed to systematically and sustainably close the learning gaps of students significantly below grade level in math.
In 2022, Aaron returned to the Pitt County School district where he currently serves as an Assistant Principal at C.M. Eppes Middle School.
As a member of the Pirate Leadership Academy, Aaron desires to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to more broadly and significantly enhance student experiences, teacher support, and community involvement for the purpose of advancing student’s academic, social/emotional, and behavioral achievement.
“You know what’s important to me? That every teacher in a school treat every student with respect and dignity every single day. That’s what’s important to me.” – Dr. Todd Whitaker
Eboni Stallings
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank
Eboni Stallings earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Elizabeth City State University in 1995 and 2009. She went on to receive her Academically Intellectually Gifted Certification in 2017 from Barton College.Eboni has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year at Elizabeth City Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year. She was recognized as Sheep Harney Elementary School’s teacher of the year for the 2016-2017 school year. She was recognized by the North Carolina Middle School Association’s Region 1 Team of the Year in 2009 as one of the leaders of the same gender education initiative in her district. In May 2021, she was recognized by a Senior Scholar as a teacher that made the most impact in the student’s educational career. This award she holds very near and dear to her heart.
Over the years Eboni has served in many leadership roles while teaching in Elizabeth City Pasquotank County Schools. She completed the Leadership Academy in 2013. She has served as grade level leader, content leader, teacher mentor, School Improvement Team member and chair, Student Assistance Team member, PBIS school team member, MTSS school and district team member, Secondary Pacing Guide Lead, Testing Coordinator, School level Instructional Coach, PLC Facilitator, Title 1 Coordinator, NCDPI trained item writer, Emerging Leaders Coordinator, Jeanes Fellow and Summer School Coordinator.
Over the past 27 years, Eboni has served in several roles outside of the classroom. Those roles include being a reading tutor for grades 4-6, Summer School teacher for grades 3-8, as well as the Academically Intellectually Gifted Summer Camp, and ELA and Social Studies teacher for grades 5 and 6.
Currently, Eboni serves as the District Instructional Coach for Secondary English Language Arts. In this role she supports all secondary ELA teachers and administrators with curriculum and instruction.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy Fellow, Eboni hopes to gain a deeper understanding of educational leadership theories, practices, and policies. She hopes to gain skills to effectively manage staff, implement educational policies, foster positive school culture, and ensure student success. She desires to continue to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to create an environment conducive to student achievement, foster equitable practices, and implement evidence-based strategies that support student learning and development. With these goals in mind, Eboni passion for young people and public education is undeniable. She hopes to be an extraordinary administrator that will positively impact her school and community.
Her favorite quotes are:
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King and “I have the power to create change” – Unknown
Caroline Suddreth Stucker
Lenoir County
Caroline Suddreth Stucker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an add on Reading licensure for grades K-12 from East Carolina University in 2009. In 2014 she earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and obtained Academically Gifted Licensure Certification for grades K-12 from East Carolina University.
Caroline taught fourth grade at LaGrange Elementary School, part of Lenoir County Public Schools (LCPS), from 2009-2014 where she served as a PBIS committee member and took on the role of grade level chair. In the fall of 2014, she moved to Southwood Elementary School, also of LCPS, and taught Academically/Intellectually Gifted students in grade three for two years, and grade four for one year. While at Southwood, Caroline was grade level chair, member of the School Improvement Team, and Co-Chair of the PBIS committee.
Caroline moved to Wake County in 2014 and held the role of AIG Specialist at Wilburn Elementary School from 2017-2020. While at Wilburn, Caroline participated in Wake County Public School System’s and Duke University’s research program called Nurturing for a Bright Tomorrow (NBT), the third iteration of Project Bright IDEA. Caroline facilitated the program through teacher training, curricular material distribution, and monitoring/implementing the program. She was also the co-chair of the Staff Engagement Committee. While in Wake County, Caroline was a board member of Read and Feed, an after-school literacy non-profit organization.
Since 2020, Caroline has served in the capacity of Digital Learning Specialist (DLS) at Woodington Middle School (WMS), a part of LCPS. As DLS, Caroline facilitates all student, teacher and staff member devices, and plans with teachers to utilize technology in their classes to boost engagement, creation, and comprehension. She is also WMS’s Testing Coordinator and AIG coordinator. Caroline has been a School Improvement Team member for 3 years and counting.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy fellow, Caroline is curious to discover the inner workings of a school and district. Caroline is eager to learn new ways to empower teachers, inspire students and engage parents. She looks forward to making connections with colleagues and growing professionally as she embarks on this journey to become an administrator.
Quotes that resonate with Caroline are the following:
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. -Zig Ziglar
Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education. -Martin Luther King Jr.
Crystal Swindell
Beaufort County
Crystal Swindell graduated from The University of Scranton in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Science Education. During her undergraduate studies, she worked with AmeriCorps as a mentor to at-risk students and quickly realized her passion for education. She moved to North Carolina in 2001 and began her teaching career at Columbia High School. With over twenty years of classroom experience, Crystal has taught science, reading, history, Latin, and religious studies in grades four through twelve in public, private, and charter schools in Beaufort and Tyrrell Counties.Outside the classroom, she has been an online tutor, an advisor for Science Olympiad, Envirothon, and Prom, and a coordinator for service-learning projects. Crystal worked to secure multiple grants for instructional needs and renovations in local schools and coordinated the accreditation process to ensure quality education. As an educational leader, Crystal has mentored East Carolina University preservice teachers and beginning teachers and served on the Beaufort County MTSS Leadership Team.
In 2021, Crystal became a graduation coach at Beaufort County Early College High School. As a first-generation college student, she helped students and families understand the opportunities of a Cooperative Innovative High School. At BCECHS, she has served on the School Improvement Team, Curriculum Council, and coordinator for testing, transportation, and safety. In Spring 2022, Crystal completed the Beaufort County Schools Superintendent’s Leadership Cohort. Then in Fall 2022, Crystal jumped back into the classroom to teach science and college preparation courses. In 2023, she earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.
Crystal lives in Washington, North Carolina, and enjoys making memories with her husband and two daughters.
Crystal is thankful to be part of the East Carolina University Pirate Leadership Academy and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and skills as a servant leader. She believes interpersonal connections build a firm foundation for a successful school community. She values her role as an educational advocate and holds close to Micah 6:8, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Heather Terrell
Edenton-Chowan
Heather obtained a B.S. in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State University in 2012 and an M.S.Ed in Reading and Literacy from Walden University in 2018. Heather Terrell is a native of Beaufort, NC but resides in Elizabeth City, NC, with her 3-year-old son, Malachi, and her loving husband.Heather started her teaching career as a long-term substitute for Norfolk Public Schools. She then transitioned to begin her first official teaching job at D.F. Walker Elementary in Edenton, NC. She has been a 5th-grade reading and social studies teacher for 6 years and a 4th-grade teacher for 3 years. During her teaching career, Mrs. Terrell received Teacher of the Year during the 2018-2019 school year and the 2021-2022 school year. As a classroom teacher, she fosters positive relationships with her students, teaching them positive affirmations while making learning fun.
Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Terrell has served in many roles, such as the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) committee chair, grade-level chair, the chair of the school improvement team, a mentor for beginning teachers, and a member of the 1st cohort for digital innovators to name a few. From 2018-2022, Heather served as the John A. Holmes High School Marching Aces Colorguard instructor/choreographer as well as the assistant softball coach for Chowan Middle School’s 2023 season.
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Principal for D F Walker Elementary School (Grades 3-5) and White Oak Elementary School (Grades PreK-2), where she will help the two schools become better together. Heather will assist with student achievement, teacher observations, testing, transportation, and discipline.
As an ECU Pirate Leadership Academy Principal Fellow, Heather hopes to gain the knowledge, tools, and expertise to help propel teachers and students to success. Heather wants to help create a generation of young hardworking, and determined individuals and push them to believe there is no limit to success. Mrs. Terrell is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. She is excited about taking her classroom experiences and the knowledge she will gain from the PLA to help influence the community she serves. In the professional setting, Mrs. Terrell values building enduring relationships and being a lifelong learner.
Mrs. Terrell’s motto for life is “Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better is best.”
Jarrett Walls
Brunswick County
Jarrett Walls earned his undergraduate degrees in History and History Education at East Carolina University in 2019. During his time at East Carolina, Jarrett was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta historical honor society and served as a student turf manager with the East Carolina athletics department.Jarrett began his career in education at South Garner High School in Wake County North Carolina. At the time South Garner was the newest high school in Wake County. During his time at South Garner Jarrett taught grades 9-12 in World History, American History, and Civics/Economics. Outside of the classroom Jarrett also served as a student council advisor, senior tutor, school improvement team member, and the Teacher Support Initiative chairman. Jarrett was also tasked with leading South Garner’s Men’s/Women’s swim team, Men’s tennis team, and Women’s tennis team. His favorite accomplishment was leading South Garner’s women’s tennis team to their first wins in school history.
After two and a half years at South Garner, Jarrett returned to his high school Alma Mater South Brunswick in Southport, NC as an English Teacher. Jarrett returned to the Social Studies department a short time later as an Economics and Personal Finance teacher. Outside of the classroom Jarrett took the reins of the Cougars men’s tennis program where he was once an athlete. Under his leadership he led the Cougars to their first playoff appearances since 2017.
Currently Jarrett has moved into the Dean of Students position at South Brunswick. As Dean he oversees student discipline, serves on the School Improvement team, MTSS Committee, serves as the graduation coordinator, and leads the initial implementation of South Brunswick’s E-hallpass and Flex time systems.
Jarrett is married to his high school sweetheart and fellow East Carolina alum Skyler. Together the share two daughters. They love the beach and attending Pirate sporting events whenever they can.
As a Pirate Leadership Academy Fellow, Jarrett wants to gain the qualities necessary to help positively lead the future schools he works with. He also hopes to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work towards obtaining his PhD to ultimately become a school superintendent. Jarrett lives by the quote “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.”
Sharnee’ White
Clinton City
Sharnee’ White earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2012. She has received several awards during her years in teaching. Sharnee’ was selected as Teacher of the Year at Butler Avenue School for 2016-2017, Teacher of the Year at Sunset Avenue School for the 2021-2022, and the Clinton City Schools District Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022. She has also received several grants through Simple Gift Love of Learning and the Clinton Area Foundation for Education.Sharnee’ was an active member of her School Improvement Team as co-chair and chair. She has been a grade level chair as a third and fourth grade teacher. Sharnee’ has served as department chairs for science and math and committee chairs for Family Engagement, Professional Development and Staff Morale. Sharnee’ has also represented her district as the facilitator of the Teacher Advisory Group.
Sharnee’ has taught for the past eleven years in second through fourth grade at Butler Avenue School and Sunset Avenue School. She was the Junior Varsity Women’s basketball head coach and the Varsity Women’s basketball assistant coach to the 2017 NCHSAA 2A State Champions at Clinton High School. She was also a member of the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council. Prior to her acceptance into ECU PIRATE Leadership Academy, Sharnee’ was teaching fourth grade math and science as Sunset Avenue School. Currently, Sharnee’ is the math curriculum specialist for grades third through fifth at Sunset Avenue School. She is assisting teachers by co-teaching lessons and working with students in small groups or one-on-one.
Sharnee’ hopes that during her time in the ECU PLA she gains the knowledge to lead and grow the education profession. She hopes to be able to use her leadership skills and new information to benefit teachers, students, and parents in her community.
Sharnee’ favorite quote is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Toni Williams
Onslow County
Toni Williams earned her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2011. She further pursued her education and obtained a Master of Arts in Education, with a focus on Adult Education from East Carolina University.Throughout her career, Toni has been recognized for her dedication to education. She is currently in pursuit of a graduate certificate in Elementary Mathematics Education and a Master’s in school administration from East Carolina University.
Toni has played diverse roles within her school, contributing significantly to its improvement and success. Some of her key roles include being a Data Team Lead, overseeing the collection and analysis of student data, a Grade Level Chair, liaising between teachers and administration, and a School Improvement Member, actively participating in developing and implementing improvement plans based on data analysis.
In terms of teaching, Toni has experience in teaching multiple subjects, including Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, to students in grades 1 to 5. She has also been involved in leading literacy clubs, encouraging a love for reading and creative writing among young learners. Additionally, she has participated in afterschool tutorial programs, providing extra support and remediation to students in need.
Recently, during the 2022-2023 school year, Toni served as a first-grade teacher. As the year concluded, she is excited to start her new position as an Assistant Principal Intern at Clyde Erwin Elementary School for the 2023-2024 academic year. Toni views this opportunity as a chance for further professional growth and to make a meaningful contribution to the school’s administrative team, supporting students, staff, and parents within the Clyde Erwin Elementary community.
As a participant in the ECU Pirate Leadership Academy, Toni’s main goal is to develop and enhance her leadership skills, especially in the realm of educational administration. She hopes to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to become a more effective and confident administrator.
Toni’s dedication to education and commitment to nurturing young minds make her a passionate educator who strives to create a positive impact on the lives of her students and school community. Her life philosophy revolves around continuous growth and learning, and she firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities for everyone.
Andrew Wilson
Duplin County
Andrew Wilson’s journey in education began in 2011 when he earned his bachelor’s degree in K-6 Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He began his teaching career as a 5th-grade educator in Onslow County, where he quickly found his passion for teaching students.In 2012, he embraced a new opportunity at B. F. Grady Elementary School in Duplin County, where he has dedicated himself since then. Throughout his tenure, Andrew has primarily taught 5th grade, specializing in Math and Science, and inspiring countless students along the way. His commitment to the school community goes beyond the classroom, as he actively participates in various roles, including serving on the SIT team for multiple years, coaching the girls’ Volleyball team, leading the Elementary Battle of the Books team for ten years, and mentoring beginning teachers.
Andrew’s achievements in teaching have not gone unnoticed. His teaching style in math instruction has earned him the recognition of NC Top Teacher four times, ranking him among the top 20% of teachers for math growth in North Carolina. In 2022, he was voted the BF Grady Teacher of the Year award by his peers, followed by a huge honor as being named the Duplin County Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year.
Andrew’s personal life took a wonderful turn when he crossed paths with his future wife, Kendra, who was an 8th-grade teacher at B.F. Grady. Together, they have built a loving home in Duplin County and are proud parents of two wonderful sons.
Now, as an ECU Pirate Leadership Academy fellow, Andrew eagerly looks forward to enhancing his leadership skills to become a servant leader in any educational environment he serves. He seeks wisdom and experience from his professors and cohort, envisioning how the knowledge he gains will positively impact the students and educators within his community.
Andrew draws inspiration from the powerful words of Benjamin Franklin: “He that is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else.” This quote resonates deeply with his teaching philosophy, reminding him to always strive for the best and to never settle for mediocrity.