History, social studies education alumna Gracie Bullington ’23 was named one of the top five finalists for the North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NCACTE)’s 2024 Student Teacher of the Year. She was recognized at the NCACTE Fall Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For Bullington, being a Top Five finalist for the North Carolina Student Teacher of the Year was “absolutely surreal.”
“I was told to prepare a few words beforehand in case I won, and all I could think about was just how thankful I was to even be in the race from the very beginning,” said Bullington.
“I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, and this process has just really solidified that I am doing what I was called to do,” she recounted. “I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the job and for all those who have supported me in my journey thus far.”
Read about Bullington being announced as the App State Student Teacher of the Year.
From left to right, Dr. Daniel Byrd, Emma Hatfield-Sidden, Dr. Monica Lambert, Jennifer Morris, Dean Melba Spooner, Dr. Rwany Sibja, Gracie Bullington, Dr. Betsy Rosenbalm, Dr. Hannah Reeder, and Dr. Terry McClannon. Photo submitted.
Bullington’s advice for student teachers and future educators is “to not let the technicalities of the job steal your joy.”
“I see a lot of negative videos on social media about teaching and how exhausting it is, and it can be very discouraging, but teaching is so much more than paperwork, grading, and meetings,” she noted.
“Remember your ‘why’,” she added. “For me, that is my relationship with the students. I just know that when I get to witness a student overcome challenges and develop their sense of self, everything ‘hard’ about the job will become so insignificant.”
Bullington is currently completing her Master of Arts in history teaching, which she began through the Accelerated Master’s program. She hopes to find a job teaching high school social studies after she graduates in December.
“I would love to go teach back home in Surry County,” said Bullington. “I am also completely open to any neighboring locations. I believe that I will be placed exactly where I am supposed to be!”
Each member institution in good standing may nominate one candidate for the NCACTE Award of the Year. One teacher candidate from the NCACTE member institutions will be recognized as the Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year in North Carolina. This recognition is celebrated at the annual fall NCACTE Teacher Education Forum with the top five nominees invited to be recognized in person. The overall NCACTE Student Teacher of the Year for 2024 was Jessica On from Duke University.
Gracie receives certificate
