Student Voices - Graduate
Trip Stallings
Ph.D. in Education; Culture, Curriculum and Change
Class of 2010
Currently: Raleigh, North Carolina
Formerly: Chatham, Virginia
My background
I am a former middle and high school teacher. After six years in the classroom, I decided to concentrate my efforts on problems in education that extend beyond a single classroom or school setting. I earned a master's degree in Public Policy at Duke, then worked simultaneously in teacher preparation and as a freelance education policy writer for various North Carolina policy groups. I came to Carolina in 2005.
Why I chose education
I believe that improving the lives and development of children is a critical component in the ongoing struggle to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
The School of Education agreed to support me in my efforts to develop a unique, multidisciplinary program with a triple emphasis on policy, politics and education.
My experience
Though my academic trajectory has taken me from time to time off the traditional School of Education path—and sometimes far afield—I have been fortunate to find encouragement and support from the Dean's Office and from several interested faculty along the way.
My inspiration
My sources of inspiration have always been the students I taught, many of whom faced obstacles daunting enough to make one throw in the towel. So many of them persevered, however, and I have been gratified to watch them grow into successful and happy adulthood.
Scholarships and fellowships
I am a two-time recipient of the School of Education's Joyner Fellowship, which has enabled me to concentrate more time on my academic pursuits. Given the multidisciplinary nature of my research, such additional time has been priceless.
In 10 years
I hope to be working on solutions for education policy problems that impact the state of North Carolina, whether from inside state government or from the outside. I also hope to be able to continue teaching in some capacity.