Future teachers learn how to make a difference

Being a teacher is like trying to save beached starfish, according to Onslow County Schools Superintendent Kathy Spencer.

"We know that we have the opportunity to impact every student ... we come in contact with," she told students gathered at the Future Teachers Conference at Coastal Carolina Community College Thursday.

For three years, Coastal Carolina has hosted the conference and invited Onslow County high school students who are interested in teaching to the campus in order to learn more about their future profession.

"We really believe in the future of teaching," Coastal Carolina Division Chair of Student Services Don Herring told the group.

Each of the more than 50 students had the opportunity to visit three of six workshops, covering topics such as North Carolina Teaching Fellows, financial aid and teaching resources.

Teachers are the "cornerstone of America," Spencer told the students.

"How many starfish, how many students, are we ready to make a difference for in the future?" she asked.

Brian Davis, a Swansboro High School senior, didn't always want to be a teacher. He planned to work with computers.

After he graduates in June, however, he plans to teach technology education.

"I think in the future, technology and things will take over and I want to help the youth and country run more smoothly," Davis said.

Thursday he joined students from across the county after learning about the conference from a school administrator.

"I felt like being a teacher would help me. You can help out and I think it's more important (than working on computers)," said Davis, who plans to attend East Carolina University. "(You're) giving your knowledge to the youth."

Those interested in teaching also have the option of getting their associate's degree at Coastal Carolina and completing it at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, without ever leaving Onslow County, Coastal Carolina President Ron Lingle said.

"Like our Marine heroes, our educational heroes don't have the worries of whether or not they made a difference," he said.

Contact Jacksonville/Onslow County reporter Amanda Hickey at 910-219-8461 or ahickey@freedomenc.com.