SNCAE leaders and advisors from 11 colleges and universities recently met on the campus of NC A&T State University in Greensboro for their Fall Leadership Conference, where they networked, engaged in discussions on leadership and advocacy, and participated in sessions focused on helping them transition to the classroom.
2023 NC Teacher of the Year Kimberly Jones was the keynote speaker and facilitated a session titled “Beyond the Classroom.” She credited her mother as being her first teacher and the reason she entered the profession. She also talked about affirmation, making room for students to investigate and integrate, and the importance of relationships. “Build relationships with your students and their families. It’s important to honor, acknowledge and incorporate family and communities into their learning.”
Karmen Massey, the SNCAE president who is studying elementary education with a focus on diverse learners, said the conference was empowering. “It was great to see so many schools represented and the dedication of the leaders of each chapter. Hearing the experiences of veteran educators brings a new perspective and will give us tools to draw on once we enter the profession.”
