Leigh Marcischak '07

"The Department of Teacher Education has gone above and beyond to prepare me to be an effective instructor in today's public schools. I feel confident that I can compete with other college graduates for rewarding teaching positions."

Josh Jordan '03

"The Catawba College’s Teacher Education Department set me up for success. The challenges they presented to me as a student along with the support I received while taking on those challenges are immeasurable.  Although I am a long way from the campus of Catawba College, I brag about the school whenever I can because it truly was the place where I grew up. I can never thank the professors and staff enough."

Josh majored in History and minored in Secondary Education. In 2005, Josh earned a Master of Science at Fort Hays State University, in Hays, Kansas. His specialized area of study was Exercise Science. Josh is employed at Fort Hays State University as the First Assistant Baseball Coach and as an instructor in Personal Wellness.

Kathy Haynes '03

"My educational experience at Catawba College gave me a solid foundation for my teaching career. While I strive for perfection, I received the opportunities to learn from my mistakes without feeling like a failure. I learned from my professors in the Teacher Education Department how to be a better teacher through their examples. I learned the importance of modeling for my students. Reflecting on teaching methods and experiences gives me an opportunity to improve upon and refine my skills. I learned the importance of being a support for students while still offering challenges. Most important, I learned by example, what it means to be a dedicated professional teacher who strives to be the best through a comittment of being a life-long learner."

Patrick Winters '97

Patrick graduated from Catawba in May 1997 with a B. A. degree in English and returned as a post-baccalaureate student to obtain teacher certification. Patrick has since earn ed a masters of arts in English education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is currently in a master's program for school administration. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Patrick has also served as chair of the English Department at East Rowan High School, co-advised the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society, taught Sunday school, worked with youth mission group and serves on committees at First Baptist Church in Salisbury where he is a member. In 2004, Patrick was chosen as Teacher of the Year for the Rowan-Salisbury Schools.

Tyler Kulp '06

"Catawba College’s Teacher Education Department set me up for success. The challenges they presented to me as a student and the support I received while taking on those challenges are immeasurable. Although I am a long way from the campus of Catawba College, I brag about the school whenever I can because it truly was the place where I grew up. I can never thank the professors and staff enough."