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Durham/Wake Cohort Fellows

Jessica Bailey

Jessica Bailey  earned a B.A. in Communication (disorders concentration) and a B.S. in Elementary Education from NC State University, along with her AIG certification from East Carolina University. She began her career in special education at a charter school before teaching 2nd and 5th grade in Wake County, where she also served on the School Improvement and Leadership Teams and as a Beginning Teacher mentor. Jessica later taught 2nd grade at Parkside Elementary and completed her Principal Residency at West Millbrook Middle during the 2022–2023 school year. She now serves as Assistant Principal at Leesville Road Elementary in Wake County.

Sade´ Chambers

Sade´ Chambers earned a B.A. in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Mathematics from Elon University. She has taught middle grades math in Iredell-Statesville Schools and Wake County Public Schools, where she was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2015–2016. Her leadership roles include Math Professional Learning Team Lead, Teacher Mentor, School Improvement Chair, and PBIS team member. She has also supported students as a member of the College Committee, board member of Inspiring Youth Through College Experiences, and advisor of the National Junior Honor Society. Sade´ completed her Principal Residency at Southwest Elementary during the 2022–2023 school year and currently serves as Assistant Principal at Briarcliff Elementary in Wake County.

Signe Coffey

Signe Coffey earned a B.S. in Childhood Education with a concentration in Social Studies from the College of Saint Rose and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught 3rd and 4th grades in Person County and Durham Public Schools before serving as an Instructional Coach in Durham. In that role, she supported curriculum writing in Social Studies, MTSS facilitation, and School Improvement Teams. Signe later became a Lead Coach for Durham Public Schools, providing professional development and support to Instructional Coaches. She completed her Principal Residency at Githens Middle School during the 2022–2023 school year and currently serves as Assistant Principal at Murray-Massenburg Elementary School in Durham.

Lisa Davis

Lisa Davis earned a B.S. in Middle Grades Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as an NC Teaching Fellow. Since 2011, she has taught 8th grade Social Studies at East Wake Academy, where she served as team leader, School Improvement Team member, and was named both Middle Academy and school-wide Teacher of the Year in 2017. She has facilitated professional development on adolescent social-emotional development, including at a national conference, and served on the Digital Learning Leadership Team. Lisa completed her Principal Residency at East Wake Senior Academy during the 2022–2023 school year and currently serves as Middle School Principal at East Wake Academy.

Nikia Glass

Nikia Glass earned a B.S. in English Secondary Education from Appalachian State University as an NC Teaching Fellow and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University in 2020. She has taught English and Social Studies in grades 6–12 across Edgecombe, Nash, and Durham counties, and has held leadership roles including Faculty Council, PBIS, School Improvement Team, and teacher representative to the Board of Directors. She has also supported extracurriculars such as yearbook, Senior Class Advisor, and cheerleading. Nikia taught 7th-grade English Language Arts at Rogers-Herr Year-Round Middle School in Durham and completed her Principal Residency at Glenn Elementary during the 2022–2023 school year. She is currently Assistant Principal at Fred Olds Elementary School in Wake County.

Brooke Little

Brooke Little earned a B.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education from Penn State University and is National Board Certified in Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood. She has served as a high school science teacher, Intervention Coordinator, and Career and Technical Education teacher. Her honors include 2004 Rookie Teacher of the Year, 2010 NCSU Sigma Xi Outstanding Teacher, 2020 STEM Educator of the Year, and a 2021 Teacher of the Year nomination. Brooke has led in many capacities, including writing curriculum, chairing School Improvement Teams, mentoring beginning teachers, and facilitating professional learning. She has also advised student interest and service clubs. She previously taught AP Environmental Science, chaired the Science Department, and mentored new teachers at Green Level High School in Wake County. Brooke completed her Principal Residency at Buckhorn Creek Elementary during the 2022–2023 school year and is currently Assistant Principal of Instruction at Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Main Campus.

Andrea Ruby

Andrea Ruby earned a B.A. in Evolutionary Biology with a Minor in Secondary Science Education from Duke University. She taught Biology and AP Biology at Riverside High School in Durham for six years, where she also served as the science department’s School Improvement Team representative and as testing coordinator. Andrea was nominated three times for Teacher of the Year and is passionate about expanding STEM opportunities and advancing equity in education. She completed her Principal Residency at Hillside High School during the 2022–2023 school year and is currently Assistant Principal of Accountability at Jordan High School in Durham.

Ticia Scott

Ticia Scott earned a B.S. in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.Ed. in STEM Education from NC State University. She has participated in the DPS Foundation’s Teacher Leadership Academy and served as PLC Lead, Graduation Co-Coordinator, Chick-fil-A Leaders Academy Facilitator, Senior Advisor, and member of the School Improvement Team. Ticia taught Biomedical Science at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability in Durham, where she also supported beginning teachers with instructional and classroom management strategies. She completed her Principal Residency at Shepard Middle School during the 2022–2023 school year and currently serves as Assistant Principal at Hillside High School in Durham.

Michael Warholik

Michael Warholik earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University in 2005 and began his teaching career in Wake County in 2008, teaching 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades. He was named Teacher of the Year in 2012 and has served as grade chair, Data Committee chair, and member of the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council. Michael has also coached and mentored new teachers through WCPSS and hosted student teachers from NC State’s College of Education. He completed his Principal Residency at Oberlin Middle School during the 2022–2023 school year and currently serves as Assistant Principal at Conn Magnet Elementary School in Wake County.