UNCW Watson College of Education

Thank you for following along as we've celebrated the inspiring journeys of UNCW residency teachers. Each story highlights the dedication, resilience and passion that educators bring to NC classrooms every day—and the impact residency programs have in preparing outstanding teachers. For more information on our residency programs, visit https://bit.ly/3R7tUpP

Individualized Virtual Learning Opportunities with the Ed Lab
👉 Enroll here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jqSzWA7u37
💳 Pay enrollment fee: https://ebill.uncw.edu/C20231_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=41&SINGLESTORE=true

After earning degrees in Spanish and biology, Mary Carper '26M became a residency Spanish teacher in Forsyth County. She says UNCW's MAT program strengthened her teaching and supports her passion for inspiring curiosity through language. Read Mary's story: https://bit.ly/3TLlUvl

We’re proud to spotlight Dar Mayweather of WCE’s Department of Educational Leadership and his recent TEDx Talk at NC State. His inspiring message challenges students to move beyond the pressure to “do it all” and focus on the one thing that aligns your vision, gifts, purpose, and belief. Start the semester with purpose. Find your one thing. Check it out! https://bit.ly/4g2Fbjw

After teaching Spanish, spending years as a military spouse, and raising her family, Jessica Wheeler returned to the classroom as a high school ESL teacher. She earned her graduate certificate from UNCW this spring. Read Jessica's story: https://bit.ly/3TtNld0

Ray Pastore, IT professor and UNCW esports coordinator, is also the author of two fiction novels for middle-school readers. He recently shared the inspiration behind his books and the connection between gaming and literacy in a WECT interview. Check it out!
https://www.wect.com/2026/08/14/wect-news-now-uncw-professor-writes-childrens-books-combat-reading-crisis/

Congratulations to Sara Movahedazarhouligh, Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award recipient; Satlaj Dighe and Alex Chambers, promoted to Associate Professor; and Larissa Malone, awarded tenure. We’re proud to celebrate these well-deserved achievements and our outstanding faculty!

With a background in exercise science, chemistry and volleyball, Triniti Lambert found her calling in teaching and coaching. A residency teacher earning secondary science licensure this summer, she values the opportunity to learn while leading her own classroom. Read Triniti's story: https://bit.ly/4w8SUfv

Forever young? We’ll let them decide! Amy Taylor, Shelby Morge, Jeremy Hilburn, and Sarah Bonner showed up in style wearing “Forever in Middle School”shirts featuring their middle school selves!