High school seniors sign agreements to become future Columbus County Schools teachers
South Columbus High School senior Matthew Brown and West Columbus High School senior Patience Daniels signed agreements to earn an associates degree in teacher preparation, earn a bachelors degree in teaching and return to Columbus County as teachers within the Columbus County Schools system. In collaboration with CCS and UNC Pembroke, Southeastern Community College hosted the CCS Future Teachers Scholarship Presentation and articulation agreement signing ceremony on May 6 in Cartrette Building on campus.
Brown, the son of Robin and Johnny Brown, works as a teacher’s assistant at Williams Township School. Brown said he has “always loved children and wants to help them as much as possible.” Brown credited his family and assistant principal, Michelle Simmons, were his inspiration and motivation in shaping who he is today.
“Teaching is a passion one must have to achieve their goal,” Brown said. “A teacher is a person who guides and directs a student in the right way to learn knowledge, skills and competencies within a structured learning environment. You never know what is on the inside of a child’s mind.”
Daniels, the daughter of Hope Smith and granddaughter of Janete and William Smith, said that growing up in church taught her that faith, education and service to others are the cornerstones of a meaningful life. Surrounded by “strong, nurturing women,” Daniels said she was constantly encouraged to seek knowledge and pursue her purpose in life.
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you,” Daniels said. “I want to become a middle school teacher, so I can leave a lasting impact on my community one classroom at a time.”
CCS Human Resources Director Shonna Garrell explained that the articulation agreement between SCC, CCS and UNCP is designed to provide a “seamless and supportive pathway” from high school to college to a teaching career back in Columbus County. She said this collaboration ensures that the recipient will receive academic preparation, mentorship, financial support and field experiences necessary to become a “highly qualified” teacher.
“Congratulations on your achievement and your decision to embark on an educational journey that is going to lead you to the most important career that there is: teaching,” Elizabeth High, SCC Dean of Student Learning and Innovation, said to the audience during opening remarks.
CCS Superintendent Eddie Beck echoed High’s sentiments on teaching as a rewarding career, as he explained that Brown and Daniels will follow in his footsteps as an SCC and UNCP alumnus. Beck said the articulation agreement is a “proven model” for students to earn qualified teaching credentials and return to Columbus County.
“On behalf of Southeastern Community College and the Teacher Preparation program, I want to express how proud we are of your hard work, your commitment and your choice to pursue the most important profession there is,” said Anna Richardson, SCC Teacher Preparation Program Lead. “Today is especially meaningful because we are not just celebrating scholarships, we are witnessing what it looks like to grow our own.”
Richardson stressed the importance of recognizing “home grown talent” because those teachers understand the heart of the community. She said the partnership between SCC, CCS and UNCP creates a “strong, sustainable pipeline of passionate educators” who will serve “right here in the place we call home.”
“As an alumnus of UNCP, I can attest that this is a great place to learn and grown,” said Dr. LaMorris Smith, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education and Director of Teacher Recruitment at UNCP. “As Matthew and Patience begin their studies at Southeastern Community College and then to UNCP to pursue their undergraduate degrees, they are stepping into a profession that highly influences the lives of countless children.”
Smith explained that the articulation agreement and scholarship opportunity is not just about financial support, it is an investment in the lives of teachers and the future of education in their communities. As the teacher recruitment director, Smith created a “Future Teacher of the Month” initiative. He named Brown and Daniels as the month of May’s award recipients.
Angie Ransom, SCC Associate Vice President of Education and Training, closed out the ceremony with describing this time of year as “celebration season.” She said the articulation agreement and scholarship ceremony marks a time of “joining forces” in growing Columbus County’s workforce.
Interested in a career in teaching and learning more about SCC’s Teacher Preparation program, contact Anna Richardson at [email protected].
