The Pack 2028 Fellows

Kirby Forbes

Kirby Forbes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Meredith College, where she was an NC Teaching Fellow. She has taught for five years at her alma mater, Lee County High School. In 2023, Kirby was awarded the Lee County Beginning Teacher of the Year and was a runner-up for the NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. She was recently awarded the 2025 Outstanding Secondary Mathematics Teacher of the Year. Kirby is the varsity cheerleading coach, and recently the team won a regional championship and received a bid to compete in a national championship for the first time in school history. Throughout her years in education, she has held several leadership roles, including Math 3 PLC Leader, Key Club advisor, and mentor to a beginning teacher. She has been a member of the Culture Committee, Multilingual Learners Committee, and Professional Development Committee. She is passionate about school culture and has organized several school dances and pep rallies. Kirby is a member of the Leaders In Lee program, which focuses on creating strong leaders within the district. During her years as an educator, she has taught Math 1, 2, and 3, as well as AP Statistics and AP Calculus. Kirby can be reached at keforbes@ncsu.edu. 

AJ Gunter

AJ Gunter graduated from NC State University with dual degrees in Biology and Science Education. As a NC Teaching Fellow, he began his teaching career at Wilson Academy of Applied Technology (WAAT) Early College in Wilson County, where he taught Earth and Environmental Science, Robotics, and Biology. During the 2023–2024 school year, he was nominated as WAAT’s Beginning Teacher of the Year and was selected to be part of the Wilson County Schools Growing Leaders Cohort. While at WAAT, he served on the school’s leadership team and the STEM School of Distinction leadership team, coached FIRST Robotics, chaired the Hospitality Committee, and advised the Student Government Association. He obtained his Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) licensure with the Wilson County Schools AIG Cohort through Barton College. AJ has a deep passion for education policy and has advocated for initiatives to support public education through service on the NC Teaching Fellows Advisory Board, participation in the NC Education Policy Fellowship Program, and by promoting new school construction in the state for the NC Education Lottery. Currently, AJ serves as a science teacher at Beddingfield High School. He completed the Wilson Leadership Institute and is an active volunteer with the Wilson Education Partnership in his community. AJ can be reached at ajgunte2@ncsu.edu. 

Brooke Hayward

Brooke Hayward earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa, GA. She began her teaching career in AZ, serving as a K–5 Title I Reading Interventionist and third-grade teacher in Wickenburg Unified School District. She later continued her career in NC, teaching third grade, serving as a Professional Learning Community (PLC) Chair in Alamance-Burlington Schools, and participating in the ABSS Leadership Academy before joining Johnston County Public Schools. She has taught elementary students for over 15 years and is currently a third-grade reading teacher at Riverwood Elementary School. Brooke founded and leads the RISE Mentoring Program, a cross-school initiative that connects high school mentors with elementary students to promote academic growth, confidence, and student advocacy. She has led professional development in instructional technology and data-informed reading instruction and serves on her school’s Improvement Team, supporting literacy initiatives, PBIS efforts, and student engagement programs. She has been recognized as a National Board Certified Teacher and was named a 2025 Top 3 Finalist for Teacher of the Year in Johnston County, as well as the 2024 Clayton Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year. Brooke is passionate about building strong relationships, developing student leaders, and creating school communities where all learners can thrive. Brooke can be reached at behaywar@ncsu.edu. 

Catherine Mitchell

Catherine Mitchell graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, EL certifications, and a minor in Spanish. She has worked as an EL teacher, taught PK-2nd grades, and has spent time overseas teaching English to children of trauma. Throughout her career, Catherine has served in several different roles on various committees, including PBIS, SIT, MTSS, and Retention Committees. Catherine has spent the last four years teaching first grade at Pinehurst Elementary, where she is extremely passionate about building a solid reading foundation for her students. She currently serves as Early Teacher Career Advisor/Lead Mentor and coaches robotics. Catherine can be reached at cmitch23@ncsu.edu.

LaChandle Nowling

LaChandle Nowling obtained a Master of Education degree from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from NC Agricultural and Technical State University. She began her teaching career in 1999 in Portsmouth, VA, teaching Kindergarten at Portsmouth Christian Academy, and later taught at Upper Room Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC. While raising her young children, she continued her teaching career by working with preschool students. In 2018, she joined West Clayton Elementary School, where she currently teaches 3rd grade. Since 2021, LaChandle has served as a host mentor teacher for student teachers from NC State University. For the past two years, she has served on her school’s School Improvement Team (SIT) and has taken on district leadership roles, including serving as a Math Teacher Lead for grades 3–5 since 2022 and presenting a session on classroom management at the 2022–2023 JCPS Beginning Teacher Orientation. Throughout her teaching career, she has been fortunate to receive recognition for her dedication, including 2018-2019 West Clayton Elementary Beginning Teacher of the Year Award; 2019-2020 Clayton Chamber of Commerce March Superstar Teacher of the Month; 2019-2020 Clayton Chamber of Commerce Superstar Teacher of the Year; and a 2020-2021 Johnston County Public Schools Flame for Learning Teacher of the Year Finalist. LaChandle can be reached at ldnowlin@ncsu.edu.

Jerri Lynn Odom

Jerri Lynn Odom is a dedicated educator whose career is defined by her commitment to foundational literacy and individualized student success. She earned her  Bachelor of Elementary Education from UNC-Wilmington and began her professional journey teaching fifth grade at Antioch Christian Church. Jerri Lynn’s passion for supporting diverse learners flourished during her nine-year tenure at Wake Christian Academy, where she served as the Individualized Learning Center Coordinator for grades K–5. This experience inspired her to further her expertise, leading her to complete a Master of Education in Special Education through Liberty University. In 2020, Jerri Lynn transitioned to the public sector, serving as a fourth-grade and Exceptional Children’s teacher within Clinton City Schools. She joined the Benson Elementary School family in 2022, contributing three years as a third-grade math teacher, grade-level chair, and the school’s Math PLC Representative at the county level. Currently, Jerri Lynn serves as the Instructional Reading Coach for grades K–5. In this leadership role, she empowers educators through data analysis and the development of evidence-based instructional strategies to ensure a robust reading foundation for every student. Her leadership extends to the School Improvement Team and the Literacy Team, where she continues to advocate for academic excellence and student growth. Jerri Lynn can be reached at jlodom@ncsu.edu. 

Imely Taul

Imely Taul earned a Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten Education from Campbell University, graduating summa cum laude, and an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Pueblo Community College. She began her career in 2011 as a preschool teacher at Floyd L. Knight Children’s Center and later transitioned to be an Itinerant BK Teacher in Lee County. Imely is now serving as the Exceptional Children’s Preschool Coordinator with Lee County Schools, overseeing special education services for preschool students and serving as the LEA representative for the preschool special education team. In her current role, she coordinates special education services for preschool students across multiple settings, ensuring compliance with IDEA and NC regulations. With over 11 years of experience supporting young children with diverse learning needs, Imely is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive early learning environments that promote equity and positive outcomes for all children. She works closely with families, educators, and community partners while also serving on a variety of leadership teams, including the Preschool Pyramid Model Leadership & Implementation Team, the School Improvement Team (SIT), the MTSS Team, the Resilience Team, and the School Crisis Team. In addition, she is actively involved in community and early childhood efforts through the Local Interagency Coordinating Council and the Lee County Schools Kindergarten Transition Team. Imely can be reached at ijtaul@ncsu.edu.  

Claire Thomas

Claire Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Lees-McRae College. She entered the profession through alternative licensure and began her career as a seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher at Clayton Middle School (CMS), where she also served as grade-level chair for two years and as math department chair for three years. She was named the 2016 First-Year Teacher of the Year at CMS and was a finalist for the Johnston County Public Schools Outstanding First-Year Teacher award. Claire currently serves as a Mathematics Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL) at Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS), where she has taught Math 1 and Math 2. She also serves as an assistant testing coordinator and has been a member of the School Improvement Team, a PLC Lead, and the Math MTSS Lead at both CMS and SSS. In addition to her instructional leadership roles, Claire has served as a head coach for volleyball, basketball, and softball at both the middle and high school levels. Claire can be reached at ccweeks2@ncsu.edu.

Cherice Washington

Cherice Washington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from NC Central University. She began her teaching career at her alma mater, Richmond Senior High School, where she taught Civics and Economics, served on the PBIS team, and mentored at-risk youth. She later joined Richland County Schools in Swansea, SC, where she taught World Geography, Civic Literacy, & United States Government for two years. In 2021, she began teaching Civic Literacy and Personal Financial Literacy at Lee County High School in NC. During her time there, she also served as the AVID Site Coordinator, working with students in grades 10-12 to develop college and career readiness skills. She has held several leadership roles, including serving on the School Improvement Team, School Leadership Team, Lee Leaders Cohort, and as a Department Chair. Beyond the classroom, she was the first Head Coach for the Lee County High School Flag Football team. Her dedication to student success and leadership in education has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year and receiving the Morehead-Cain Impact Educator Award in 2026. Cherice can be reached at clwashi3@ncsu.edu.

Letoya C. Watson-Ducally

Latoya C. Watson-Ducally earned a Bachelor of Education in Home Economics from the University of Technology and a Diploma in Secondary Education from The Mico Teachers College. She holds a NC Professional Educator’s License in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (6–12), Foods and Nutrition, Culinary Arts (6–12), and Science (9–12). With over 24 years of experience, Latoya currently teaches Science at Seventy-First High School, is part of the Cumberland County Schools Instructional Coach pool, and serves on the school’s Improvement Team (SIT). She previously worked as an Education Officer and Acting Senior Education Officer with the Ministry of Education Youth Camp (Region 5) and spent 17 years at Holmwood Technical High School, where she held leadership roles including STEM Lead for Region 5, Grade Nine Supervisor, Coordinator for the Career Advancement Program, SWPBIS team member, and Manager of the school’s Netball Team. Latoya is dedicated to fostering instructional excellence, student growth, and positive school communities. Latoya can be reached at lcwatso2@ncsu.edu.    

Sara Wocher

Sara Wocher earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration from Appalachian State University. In 2022, she returned to her hometown of Wilson, NC, to begin her career at Gardner’s Elementary School as a 5th-grade teacher. At Gardners, Sara served as the team lead and school-wide science representative. She was nominated as Gardner’s Beginning Teacher of the Year and selected to be part of the Wilson County Schools Growing Leaders cohort. After two years, she transferred to Speight Middle School, where she has taught 6th and 7th-grade math. During the 2024-2025 school year, she obtained her Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) licensure with the Wilson County Schools AIG Cohort through Barton College. Additionally, Sara was the recipient of the Wilson County Schools Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year. While at Speight, she serves as a member of the resilience and school improvement teams, the PBIS chairperson, a beginning teacher mentor, and a volleyball and softball assistant coach. Sara can be reached at swocher@ncsu.edu.