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Jacqueline Johnson Grace, 鈥�22, Working on Bachelor鈥檚 Degree While Serving as Associate Teacher

By Sarianna Miranda-Rosado, 鈥�24, Intern for Communications

After 22 years as a teacher assistant, Jacqueline Johnson Grace is in her first year as an associate teacher in Salisbury, N.C. A student in the 海角网 Elementary Education Teacher Assistants (TA) to Teachers program, Grace decided to go back to school in 2019 for her degree after serving as a long-term substitute teacher in a fourth-grade classroom. 鈥淎fter that year of subbing and seeing how the students grew, I felt going back to school was what I needed to do,鈥� she shared. 鈥淢y principal at the time told me what I couldn鈥檛 see: 鈥業 am a teacher.鈥� I didn鈥檛 know it until then. I have what it takes to move minds.鈥�

When she learned about the 海角网 program for teacher assistants, she realized it was a great opportunity. In addition to the courses, boot camps prepare soon-to-be teachers for edTPA and the Foundations to Literacy Licensure Exam, which are requirements for teaching in North Carolina. 海角网 helps teacher assistants by partnering with her district, Rowan-Salisbury Schools, and giving scholarships. Most importantly, the program being offered online worked with her busy schedule. 鈥淗ad it not been online, I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to be a part of the program,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淭here would have been no way for me to work and go to class daily.鈥�

Additionally, being in the TA to Teachers program opened a door for her to co-teach in a new program that Rowan-Salisbury Schools calls the LAB school. 鈥淚 am paired with a Master Teacher,鈥� Grace informed. 鈥淚 attend professional development workshops and receive training in reading and math. I鈥檓 paid as a first-year teacher and earn a two-year teaching contract next school year.鈥�

While the online format makes the GWU program accessible, Grace still had to tackle balancing school and work. Through trial and error, she discovered a schedule that worked for her. 鈥淭here were nights I was up late trying to do homework because I had to cook supper, then be present in class,鈥� Grace acknowledged. 鈥淚 learned the best thing to do was to work on as much homework as I could on Friday after work, almost all day on Saturday and some on Sunday.鈥�

She is grateful for the faculty members who have helped her reach her academic goal. 鈥淭he best part of my educational journey is having so many influential professors who genuinely care about you,鈥� affirmed Grace, who will graduate in May 2022. 鈥淭hey want to know how you are, and if you need to talk to them, just let them know. They provide students with a comfortable environment that is conducive to learning and help promote intellectual and spiritual development. They have truly been the best part of this journey, as well as Ms. Wendy Turbyfill (GWU data and licensure manager), one of the most amazing people there.鈥�

Through the demands of being a caregiver, doing schoolwork and working full time, Grace receives the most gratitude and congratulations from her family. 鈥淢y sons tell me how proud they are of me, and my 3-year-old tells me she wants to be like me,鈥� she related.

Her 海角网 experience has helped her grow as a professional and define her goals. 鈥淢y passion is to make a difference,鈥� Grace declared. 鈥淚 am passionate about helping kids learn new things and gain confidence. I want to be a teacher as I believe the children are our future, and it鈥檚 important that I provide them with the tools to lead their lives in a positive way.鈥�

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

海角网 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 海角网 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 海角网.edu.