Student Voices - Undergraduate
Taneisha Stephens
Middle Grades Education
Class of 2009
Greensboro, North Carolina
My background
As a student at James Benson Dudley High School in Greensboro, N.C., I took early childhood education courses, which allowed me to work as a teaching assistant for children ages birth to five. I also tutored students in algebra after school and created lesson plans to help them excel in the classroom. Based on these experiences, I decided to become a teacher.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
The achievement gap between white and minority students is a disturbing part of the public school system. This issue directly influenced my decision to pursue a career in education. I hope to reduce the achievement gap through teaching and service in the community. In becoming a qualified teacher, I want to inspire and motivate students to succeed. Additionally, I want to give children the necessary tools so they too will have the opportunity to follow their dreams.
My experience
My service-learning experiences at W.G. Pearson Middle School in Durham, N.C. and Gravelly Hill Middle School in Efland, N.C. allowed me to experience schools and cultures in both urban and rural settings. Additionally, service learning gave me the opportunity to take the concepts we studied in class and apply them to real-life situations.
My inspiration
My professor, Dr. Suzanne Gulledge, has been my inspiration. She cares about the success of her students and about equity in the classroom. She expects the best from her students and pushes us to perform at the highest level. Most importantly, she believes in my talents and abilities to become a great teacher.
In 10 years
I hope to obtain my master’s degree after a few years in the classroom and eventually become a high school principal. Regardless of the teaching path I take, I want to make a difference in my community and the public education system.