Welcome to the Hope Middle School AIG website. This site contains information regarding our program, identification of students, and resources for gifted students, parents of gifted students, and our staff.

Hope Middle School Academically/Intellectually Gifted Program

Karen Eberenz

I have been a teacher for over 30 years, and an AIG teacher for 23 years. I have taught at Hope Middle School for 16 years. I have taught Pre-k, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades. I am certified Pre-K, K-6, 6-8 ELA, and AIG. I received my Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from UNCG. I am also a National Board Certified teacher.

I have 3 daughters-Hannah, Rachel, and Grace--all of who came through Hope, 2 through the AIG program. Hannah graduated from NC State in 2019 and Nova University in 2024, Rachel graduated from UNCW in 2021, and Grace graduated from ECU in 2025. My husband and I live quietly at home.

AIG students are bright, inquisitive, and enjoy learning. I am so fortunate to get to play a part in that with the AIG students here at Hope. I hope to instill a joy for lifelong learning in my students, and that students realize they are gifted even after they leave middle school.

Jenna Norris

I have been an educator with Pitt County Schools for more than twenty years, and I am thrilled to be part of the Hope Mustang community. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Carolina University, and I am proud to be a National Board Certified Teacher. Over the course of my career, I have taught students from kindergarten through eighth grade in a variety of school settings, and I have also served in leadership roles such as Facilitating Teacher and Multi-Classroom Teacher.

As an AIG specialist, I am passionate about helping students think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and explore big ideas using Depth and Complexity and higher-level instructional tools. I love designing creative, engaging learning experiences that challenge students and tap into their unique strengths. Learning new things excites me, and I enjoy pushing myself—and my students—to grow every day.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and exploring new places. I truly love what I do and feel honored to support gifted learners at Hope Middle School.

Michelle Reagan

I have been an educator for over 27 years and an AIG teacher for almost 12. I am thrilled to be a Hope Mustang! During my tenure as a teacher, I have taught 4th and 5th grades, as well as AIG for grades 4-8. I am certified K-6, K-12 Reading, K-12 Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and K-12 AIG. I received my Bachelor's degree from Barton College in Wilson and my Master’s degrees from ECU. I was also a National Board Certified teacher.

I grew up in New Bern and visit my parents there often. During my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, binging tv shows, and solving word puzzles. I also love to spend time with my fur baby, Poppy, who just turned three recently.

I am looking forward to a great year with your children here at Hope. I hope to learn from them while they learn from me.