TEACHER FEATURE

How long have you been in education? 

This is my 6th year in education. I started teaching at Reedy Creek Elementary, where I also completed my student teaching. I taught 3rd grade all subjects and loved it!

What brings you to WYWLA? 

 I am here at WYWLA to do my administrative internship, I was an elementary school teacher but then decided to go back to school and I thought WYWLA would be a phenomenal opportunity!

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?

WYWLA is a  Phenomenal environment, I am really sad that I have to leave the unique opportunity of this experience, which is an amazing opportunity for staff not just students because the staff can learn so much from students and the school overall.

 What do you hope to accomplish during your time at WYWLA?

 I hope to learn what I don't know about high school and middle since I'm more experienced with elementary, continuing to build relationships between staff members is very important to me also.  

Looking ahead, do you see yourself working at the elementary, middle, or high school level?

Prior to this year, I thought I would go back to the elementary school level but I'm exploring middle and high school now because I wish to learn more about what I don't know.

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

I think the biggest piece of advice is mistakes are proof that you try so it's ok to make them.  We learn from our mistakes! 

 Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

What were you like as a kid? A young student? Favorite subject growing up?  Hobbies?

 I think I was an outgoing kid. I did a little of everything sports, music, and theater big on just hanging out with friends, history is my favorite subject because I had a favorite teacher who dressed as the era she was teaching like in the magic school bus,  I loved crafts anything artsy, big on swimming or a lot of things with water.

What is one fun fact about you? 

I loved pigs growing up I always wanted one as a pet, My middle name comes from my ancestor Samuel “Chase” who signed the Declaration of Independence. 

What do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home? 

I love radio I am definitely a die-hard FM radio fan! But if I'm not listening to what is on the radio I usually listen to anything that isn't hard metal. I would say Taylor Swift is definitely in her own category though.

What type of music do you listen to/prefer?

I really love all music except for really heavy metal! The music I listen to is dependent on my mood. I am always up for going to any live music event no matter the genre.

What was your last concert?  Best concert? 

My latest concert was Taylor Swift she definitely had the best performance I've seen.  My favorite concert was Maroon 5, it was a cheap ticket and Kelly Clark had opened. It was a fun night with friends since it was just us hanging out without our parents there which made it the best concert for me.

Where did you graduate from?  Major?

I completed my undergraduate degree at NC State University (Go Pack). I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration as well as a K-12 English as a Second Language licensure. Currently, I am completing my Master's degree in School Administration at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

by Kailyn Utley