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Teacher Feature is a segment that interviews and shares tidbits about a WYWLA staff member every month.
Ms. Wormald
Ms. Wormald
HS SCIENCE TEACHER
Ms. Ruth Wormald came to WYWLA when it first opened its doors in 2012. She retired after almost 30 years of teaching. It is only appropriate for her be WYWLA's Teacher Feature for the month of January. Thank you for twelve and a half great years! Best wishes as you explore new adventures!
How long have you been in education?
I have been in education for 29.5 years, 27.5 teaching a variety of sciences in Wake County and 2 years teaching advanced level chemistry in Tanzania with the Peace Corps
What brought you to WYWLA thirteen years ago?
I returned from Tanzania in late 2011. I thought at first I would stay with my mom in upstate New York and find a job there. However, it was too cold for me! I also knew that teaching in Tanzania had changed me, and I would not be content again in an ordinary school. I went to visit my kids in North Carolina in the spring of 2012 and a friend told me about an all-girls school that was opening up soon in Wake County. I contacted the principal about a high school science position, and she hired me!
In your time at WYWLA, what aspects stand out to you the most? Fond memories?
I have been at WYWLA longer than I have been at any other school, 12.5 years. I was WYWLA’s first high school science teacher. I am so thankful for the opportunity that I had to work here. After Tanzania, this was the perfect place for me. I appreciated the uniforms, I was inspired by the idea of empowering young women, and I absolutely loved the diversity of our school.
Fond memories? Daily quizzes, journal entries, and chemistry note cards that do not work. Pig dissections(yuck!), butterfly releases and happy birds, butterflies flying free in the classroom. Training my students to catch and release indoor insects, (even cockroaches deserve a chance at life). Driving a minibus full of excited girls in the rain on the beltline and a crazy idea to let my earth science class perform in the talent show and decorate me as mother earth. So many years, so many memories. WYWLA truly has been a special place for me.
What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students?
Only one piece of advice?
Be a Lorax, not a Once-ler. Always advocate for the environment, speak for the trees.
When the finish line is clearly in view, don’t sit down on the track. Crawl over the line if you have to, but finish the race.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. When you do it enough, your comfort zone grows.
Don’t ever underestimate the impact of a smile and kind words. They may change a life.
Where did you grow up? What were you like as a kid? A young student? Favorite subject growing up? Hobbies?
I grew up in upstate New York. It was a rural area, and you had to make your own fun, because we only had a small black and white TV and it only got a few grainy channels. My dad loved animals, so we had a wide assortment: cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, chickens, goats, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, and horses. There were always chores to do, but I also liked to read in my tree fort or ride my bike around town. Sometimes I would ride over 10 miles to a Dairy Queen in a neighboring town, all by myself, when I was still in middle school.
I learned to ride a two-wheel bike when I was three. I remember my dad running down the road after me as I took off on my own. By the time I was 5 or 6, I was riding to the small grocery store in the village to get things for my mom. She’d give me money and the list for the grocer and maybe five cents for some candy as a reward. I knew that I was helping my mom, but the scary part about this was that I had to ride past a house where two big dogs would run out and chase you. Instead of telling my mom that I could not go, I just rode faster!
In fourth grade, I discovered that I could run fast after my teacher had us all race around the field and I won. In sixth grade, I discovered that I liked playing sports, and in high school, I played field hockey, volleyball, basketball, softball (only one season because I could not stand still waiting for the ball to come), and so I switched to track where I could run. In college, I played soccer and ice hockey. When I moved to Raleigh in 1983, I joined a women’s soccer team and played indoor and outdoor soccer for 25 years.
As a student, I was very conscientious about my work. Some called me a nerd, but it did not bother me. I liked school and I liked learning. In 7th grade, I learned math so quickly that my teacher tried to find some enrichment activities for me to do. He taught me how to use a slide rule, an outdated tool even for that time. I excelled in school, and I graduated first in my class of 157 students from Ichabod Crane High School in 1979. My favorite classes in high school were my science classes, math classes, and English classes. It is hard to choose just one.
What is one fun fact about you?
I like to write, especially poetry. I have written a book, and now that I have time, I will try to find a way to get it published. Here is a poem that seems relevant as I prepare for my new adventures: A Traveler
A traveler needs no map to guide her,
Because a traveler just follows the road.
A traveler allows no walls to confine her,
Because the journey is her home.
Where did you graduate from college? Major?
I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology (molecular biology and genetics was my focus) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in December 1982. I graduated early. After moving to Raleigh in January 1983, I went to NCSU and received a Masters in Science Education in 1986. I taught at Apex High School, Cary High School, Green Hope High School, and after receiving a Masters in School Administration from NCSU in 2007, I worked at Panther Creek High School until leaving for Tanzania in 2009.
Any parting words to staff? To students?
To staff, it has been such a pleasure working with you. You have been my work family. Dr. Walker, I am so glad that you have come to WYWLA. Mrs. Nelson, I have always enjoyed our visits, and just think, no more copies for me! Middle school and early college staff, I enjoyed our interactions during staff meetings and other activities.
Mrs. Watkins, by some cosmic coincidence, we have parallel families. Grummy, Mary Francis, surely is my soul sister and I will miss her and the Watkins family. Thank you for sharing my joys with such exuberance and supporting me when times were tough. I will work on getting that book published.
Mr. and Mrs. di Carlo, thank you for all your kindness, driving me to the auto shop, bringing me flowers, and especially for fixing all that needs fixing in my classroom and trying to get me to smile in pictures.
Dr. Terry, thank you for always drumming up support for the sock drive and hygiene drive for GLI. I know that my GLC won this year, but what can I say? I also appreciated your help with the biology research papers, and I also enjoyed participating in your Shark Tank activity.
Mrs. Laiosa, thank you for all the meals you provided for me. I am amazed that you do that fancy cooking even on ordinary days. The food was delicious. Now, I might have time to “experiment” with cooking.
Ms. Zelenakas, I am so grateful that I was able to share my students with you this fall and make this transition so much easier. I hope to hear about all the fun things you will be doing in science classes at WYWLA.
Mrs. Little, you are a great AP, and I always liked it when you popped in when my kids were doing something fun in science.
All the rest of the Currin staff, I am sorry I cannot stay around longer to get to know you better. Well, truthfully, I am not sorry, but I wish the best to all of you. WYWLA is a great school!
To all my WYWLA students, thanks for the memories. Thanks for being you. Being your teacher was not just my job, it was my life. As I get older, I may forget your names, I might not recognize your faces, but you will always have a place in my heart.
What post-retirement plans do you have?
I have many plans for retirement. First, I am moving to Madison, Wisconsin to stay with my daughter and her family. I love hiking the trails through the prairie, and it is also a very bike friendly area. Maybe I will ride my bike again, and hopefully not be chased by any big dogs!
We are also taking a trip to Costa Rica in June. I am used to taking my vacations in developing countries far away from tourist areas. It will be a different experience spending time at a resort. My eight year old grandson and I are looking forward to seeing some tropical wildlife while we are there.
In July, if all goes as planned, I will be moving to South Africa for two and a half years to serve in the Peace Corps again. This time, I will not be teaching science. I will have to step outside of my comfort zone and try to teach English to young children. I envision a lot of singing, dancing, and playing games.
Kwa herini, marafiki. Asante kwa kumbukumbu!
(Farewell, my friends. Thanks for the memories)
Students and staff offered little tributes to Ms. Wormald:
Thank you for being an amazing teacher. Thank you for making Biology, Earth Science, and Chemistry fun and interesting. I hope you have a great time in Africa and and happy retirement.
-Kaelyn Wilmoth
Congratulations on doing your part in changing the world and shaping so many young minds. Enjoy the next season of rest and relaxation. Happy Retirement!!
Mrs. L. Pierce
Thank you Ms. Wormald for always taking time and explaining topics to me until I understand them. I also want thank you for holding us accountable when it comes to our grades and how we prepare ourselves. Best of wishes and luck to you.
-Egypt Wilkins
Thank you so much for being an amazing and funny science teacher! I hope you you enjoy your time with your family and your stay in Africa. I'll miss your teaching! Thank you!
-Ella Diaz
It has been an honor to work with Ms. Wormald. When I started at WYWLA 12 years ago, Ms. Wormald greeted me with the same warmth and kindness which she shows her students each day. Ms. Wormald cares deeply about her students and about their well-being and successes. Several times a semester, I tiptoe into Ms. Wormald's office to talk about students of concern, and she is always, always willing to work on creating a plan of support. Ms. Wormald has prepared our students for success in science beyond WYWLA - year after year, our early college students share that the foundation that they received on main campus with Ms. Wormald was the key to success in their college Biology and Chemistry classes.
Ms. Wormald is kind and generous, and she has a quiet strength that gives students confidence to persevere through their own tough times -- her nickname of "Mama Wormald" is apt and fitting.
It has been a blessing to work with Ms. Wormald, and our school and our students have been enriched with her careful instruction, generosity of spirit, and her life that is lived with humility, grace and strength. We wish you the very best in your next steps after retirement, and we know that you will continue to be a true gift to your family and the communities you serve.
With gratitude,
Mrs. di Carlo
BIG WORM,
You have impacted my children and myself far more than you will ever know. My children still talk about saving the turtles and trying to be more sustainable. That is all because of you. I must say, selfishly, that I am going to miss you. I am going to miss busting into your class, our silly conversations, and your stories about your Tanzanian and birth children. I recognize when an assignment is done and I must say that your WYWLA assignment has been well done! I know that it is time for you to impact your next place. I pray that you have the resources to bless all around you, the laughter to motivate you to keep going, the challenge to keep you on your toes, and the wisdom to move through all of the next phases of your life. You rock and you deserve your retirement (even though I know that you're just going to work again). Do your thing, Big Worm, and know that I'm rooting for you!
Love ya!
Dr. Terry
Thank you for everything! You were a great teacher and very funny as well.
-Luna Perez
Thank you for being one of the best teachers ever. You're so supportive and helpful whenever I am lost. You're compassionate and every time I walk into your room, I smile, not just because I love science. Instead it’s because you inspire me to learn and you push me even if I think I can’t do it. I will forever remember your classes, biology and chemistry...and how amazing and impactful you were in my life.
-Caitlyn Polasik
While you have always given us a lot of work, you have expected an equal amount of success from us. Everyday your structure continues to inspire success and growth from every student in who steps into your classroom. I thank you for that. You have left an impact on me that has shown me just what a high school science course can and will be like. In your last days of WYWLA, I thank you for taking the time to support me whether that be through my successes or my failures.
-Alex Tabor
Ms. Wormald has been one of my favorite teachers, I think ever. She's clear, to the point and never overly pushy for her work. I have always appreciated how she never made me feel stupid for asking an easy question, or making a stupid mistake. But most of all her humor during class, like randomly speaking Swahili during class or asking "what are we gonna' get on this daily quiz?" after she heard my friend saying it. Goodbye Ms. Wormald, we're going to miss you here.
-Meredith Raynor
Ms. Wormald, I'm grateful for having you as by Biology, Earth Science, and Chemistry teacher. These classes are tough for me, but thanks to you I was able to pass them. Thanks for being so kind and willing to help me when it comes to anything. I also noticed how patient you are with other students, and you're willing to do what you can to help them pull their grade up. It's not only about the grade when it comes to you, and I admire that. I hope your retirement goes well, and you have a great time in Africa. Nitakukumbuka (I'll miss you (in Swahili!))!!!
-Hannah Forrester
Ms. Wormald is the best science teacher I've ever had, she's so passionate about everything we learn and that's what makes her such a good teacher!! Thank you, Ms. Wormald!
-Theo Goldberg
Chemistry wasn't my strongest subject this semester and I really struggled. I remember after my first test in Chemistry I thought I was going to completely bomb each one after that. I didn't though. When I made a bad grade on a test and didn't feel confident enough to retake it, Ms.Wormald would encourage me too. Whenever the day of the retake would come I would psych myself out and lower my self esteem drastically, until Ms. Wormald would sit down right next to me with a pen and paper and walk me through everything. Step by step. This helped me get better grades on retakes and understand the material better, because of her help I started gaining confidence in Chemistry day by day. It upsets me that Ms. Wormald is leaving but I know that wherever she goes...she'll always be helping someone, just like she helped me.
-Riley Walton
Ms. Wormald is an amazing teacher. Ms. Wormald is one of the many caring teachers at WYWLA. She was always kind and gave grace in many areas of work. She always joked around with us and was there to pick us back up when we didn't do good at something. I may not have done so good with Chemistry but it was the effort that counted. She was an amazing teacher and I really hope she enjoys her retirement.
-Emani Reed
Ms. Wormald I want to thank you for everything you done for me. You gave me a hug when I started to cry. You impacted me as a person. I will never forget you. Thank you once again and always remember me too :)
-Cindy Islas Figueroa
Thank you Mrs. Wormald for being a great science teacher. I enjoyed your class, passion for environmentalism, lovely humor, and hearing an anecdote about your life once in a while. Good luck with your book and travels to Tanzania (say hello to your kids for me). I wish you a blessed life doing whatever you choose to spend your retirement on, and remember you are always appreciated by your WYWLA family.
-Yinka Ajani
Ms. Wormald has been one of the most inspiring teachers I’ve had the pleasure to know throughout my education. Her Biology and APES class are what caused me to have a genuine interest in science and STEM fields. All of her lectures are backed by genuine infectious passion that I’m sure left an impact on every student she has ever taught!
-Parker Gnagy
Ms. Wormald, congratulations on your retirement! I have enjoyed these past few years with you. I have enjoyed having you as my teacher. I will miss having conversations in class in Swahili. I will miss the insightful conversations that Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science have brought on. Your teaching has been incredibly helpful to my academic career, especially regarding my writing and studying habits. I am so thankful for your expertise and will continue to use the feedback you have given me. I hope that your new journey will be exciting and rewarding. Again, I say congratulations on your retirement, I can't wait to see where the Peace Corps takes you. Enjoy your retirement!
-Kinnadi Dennis
Ms. Wormald, it has been great working with you! Your presence will be missed at WYWLA! Embrace and enjoy the next phase of Life!!
-Mr. Reed
Thank you for everything that you have taught me over the past two years. I remember during my freshman orientation, I spoke with you about Biology class. I got into my car, wanting to cry because I was so scared for these next four years, especially for science because I was never good at it. Coming into my sophomore year, I was dreading these next two sciences that year. However, to my suprise, they were some of the most fun classes I ever took. From the documentaries in Earth Science, to Stoichiometry in Chemistry. Your teaching has truly set me up for success during my junior and senior years in high school. You are nothing less than an amazing teacher who truly wants the best from your students, and I thank you so much for that. Congratulations on your retirement, and I wish you all the best in this next chapter!
-Camille Manning
Ms. Wormald, thank you for being the greatest science and GLC teacher I ever had! Your encouragement and warm smile helped me throughout all semesters. My sisters and I will never forget the kindness you showed us. Thank you for being a gem at WYWLA, we will miss you!
-Christaly Joseph
Ms. Wormald, thank you for being a wonderful global humartian. Your impact locally and globally will continue be felt.
Ms. Cuffee
As we bid adieu to our beloved colleague, Ms. Ruth Wormald, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact she has had on all of us over the past twelve years. As an English teacher, I have had the privilege of working alongside her, and in doing so, I’ve witnessed not only her remarkable dedication to her students but also the quiet strength and warmth with which she has supported our entire school community. It is not an exaggeration to say that Ms. Wormald has been one of the pillars on which this school has been built. Beginning with the first day of school in August 2012, Ruth was a constant force of stability and excellence. Her commitment to our students, to their success, and to their well-being has been unwavering. She arrived early each morning and stayed late almost every evening, making herself available to anyone who needed her. Whether she was tutoring students after school or providing a listening ear to a colleague, Ms. Wormald was always there—steadfast, dependable, and kind.
During her time at WYWLA, Ruth has given us the best of herself. She is the model of servant leadership. She shows us what it means to give tirelessly, to serve without expectation, and to always, always do so with grace and humility. We have all been blessed by her presence, her dedication, and the example she has set—not just as a teacher but as a human being. She extended her love and care far beyond the walls of our classrooms—whether Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Tanzania, or here in North Carolina, Ms. Wormald has shown us all how to care beyond borders. Her ability to make those connections, to care deeply for all people, is a testament to her immense capacity for love and empathy.
As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, I know she will continue to inspire and support those around her, as she has done for all of us. While we will undoubtedly miss her daily presence, her legacy will live on in the countless lives she has touched.
-Mrs. Watkins
Ms. Wormald !!! I really hope you have a great trip and that you enjoy your time in South Africa doing what you love doing, which is teaching. I hope those students appreciate you for being there because I do. I hope you never lose that passion you have for what you do. Because of you I love Earth Science and I have learned so much about the earth and the crisis that it is in and the way that you speak about it makes me want to take action. Earth science is definitely my favorite class- I look forward to it every single day because it is just so fun, and it's a really nice way to decompress at the end of the school day. You are really fun outside of class. I enjoyed listening to your stories about Tanzania, and the jokes you made in class.
I will miss you next semester, but regardless, I really hope you enjoy your time over there!!
-Ashley Garcia Carrero
Ms. Wormald,
Thank you for the beautiful presence you have given WYWLA. In the few years that I have been fortunate to experience your presence, I have seen first-hand how your quiet, calm, yet warm presence creates a safe space of comfort for so many staff and students. Students have shared with me over and over again how they appreciate you in ways that are beyond a connection to science. There is no difference for staff. You know the science of people. Thank you for all that you have given WYWLA and for the reflection of warmth that you have shown us all. I'm thankful that our paths got to cross, and I am so happy to wish you joy as you sail off into the beautiful feathers of retirement.
Wishing you all the happiness,
Dr. Mariah Walker
Ms. Wormald,
Congratulations on this new milestone! Your contributions to WYWLA, both academically and personally, will never be forgotten. In fact, they stand as a true testament to your success and leadership. We owls appreciate you so much—especially me.
I loved every bit of your science classes: the daily quizzes, the way you taught with such clarity, the stories you shared about your life, and the jokes that always lightened the mood. I admired the patience you showed me, gently pushing me to figure things out on my own without giving away the answers.
Everything I learned from you in class and in life has left a lasting impact. Your teaching of AP Environmental Science played a pivotal role in shaping my academic interests, deepening my passion for epidemiology, and inspiring me to offer a helping hand whenever I can.
Saying goodbye feels bittersweet. While I will miss you deeply, I am grateful for the lessons you’ve shared with me; they will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you, Ms. Wormald, for everything.
Rhianna Rigby
When I first came to WYWLA as a first-year teacher, Ms. Wormald was one of the first friendly faces I knew and came to rely on. In those early days, when everything felt new and overwhelming, Ms. Wormald was a steady presence, always offering her sage advice and unwavering encouragement.
She became one of my biggest supporters during that first year, and I can't even begin to explain how much that meant to me. I needed that reassurance more than I even realized, and Ms. Wormald provided it with kindness and compassion. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Ms. Wormald's passion for helping others is inspiring. She embodies kindness, patience, and wisdom in a way that truly makes a difference. WYWLA has been lucky to have her, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from her example.
As Ms. Wormald steps into this next chapter of retirement, I wish her nothing but the best. It is so deserved, and I hope it is filled with all the joy, rest, and fulfillment she has given to so many of us over the years. Thank you, Ms. Wormald, for everything!
Ms. Simmons
Ms. Wormald! You are such an inspiration, not just as an educator dedicated to your students, but as a wonderful human dedicated to service. I am in awe of all that you have done in your career here at WYWLA and beyond. I wish you only the best as you continue your good work!
-Ms. Williams
Ms. Wormald thank you for your years of inspiring the future. The dedication of putting kids first, teaching from the heart, and creating global learners you have shown drives me to push myself to do the same for my students. Enjoy retirement! I know you will fill your time continuing to learn, teach, and enjoy life!
Mrs. Stearns
Congratulations on your RETIREMENT! You were an amazing Beginning Teacher facilitator! You were caring, you listened to me, and you always provided support and resources. You made my BT experience a better one! Thank you for everything!
Mrs. T. Smith
Ms. Wormald,
Congratulations on your retirement! We are all so happy for you and cannot wait to hear about your new adventures. Thanks for pouring your heart into WYWLA these past twelve and a half years. Your impact on students and staff will be felt for years to come. Thanks for your friendship, your patience, and the kindness shown in everything you've done. May blessings shine upon you everywhere you go and in all you do.
Mr. di Carlo
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