Despite the challenges facing the teaching profession today, there is a group of committed and passionate future educators who are working to change that narrative. Members of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE) believe in education as a career—and in its future. Recently, these students came together for a weekend-long conference designed to support their growth as future teachers and to prepare them to advocate for lasting change in the profession.
The Student North Carolina Association of Educators is a division of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE). SNCAE offers professional development, networking, and support to aspiring educators as they progress through their college education and prepare to become full-time teachers. These students are not only developing the skills needed in the classroom—they’re also learning how to organize, lead, and push for a better future for all educators.
“I’m part of SNCAE because I enjoy being in a community of educators where I can learn and grow,” said Emma Rose Dishman, a student at Catawba College. “As a freshman, it’s really helpful to talk with upperclassmen, see how they’re learning, and get tips from them—like how to create lesson plans or how to interact with kids in the classroom.”
SNCAE members are full union members, which means they can participate in all union activities, from member organizing to lobbying lawmakers for better education policies. Their voices are not just being heard—they’re already making an impact.
“The Union is a place for all educators,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. “We want to support every educator from the beginning of their careers to even after they decide to retire. Together, we all have a place in the movement to fight for a high-quality education for every child, regardless of their income, race, religion, or gender.”
The SNCAE Conference was a weekend of learning, empowerment, and connection. Students from colleges and universities across North Carolina gathered in one space to focus on strategies that will help them succeed once they become classroom teachers. For many, this was their first time attending a statewide SNCAE event, and the experience left a lasting impression.
The first night kicked off with keynote speakers Caroline Monroe and Abby Lantos, Rowan County’s Beginning Teachers of the Year. Monroe and Lantos shared their experiences as new teachers and led a powerful conversation about the challenges and realities facing those entering the profession today. Their honest, encouraging words set the tone for a weekend full of inspiration and growth.
The next day featured more keynote sessions, breakout workshops, and a panel that included NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. Cherie Feemster, NCAE Region 3 Director, also gave an uplifting address that urged student educators to set high expectations for themselves—both inside and outside the classroom.
Among the many topics discussed at the conference, one that sparked passionate conversation was the need to compensate student teachers for their time and labor. In North Carolina, student teachers are not paid while they complete the work required to earn their teaching license—even though they are often teaching full-time.
Teacher turnover and vacancies remain high across the nation. Many educators are experiencing burnout, feeling unsupported, and leaving the profession in growing numbers. In North Carolina alone, nearly 10% of teachers left their positions last year. As more young people make decisions about their future careers, education is often overlooked. Many no longer see teaching as a sustainable or rewarding career path.
Quote byAnna Buckley , SNCAE President and a student at Fayetteville State University
Many student teachers juggle full academic course loads while teaching in schools full-time. With these demands, there’s little time left to take on additional employment, leaving many stretched thin financially.
“Student teaching is a lot like an internship, and because of that, student teachers deserve to be paid,” said Haille Hidden, a Methodist University student and SNCAE member. “They’re teaching classes just like real teachers, creating lesson plans, and doing all the work that comes with it. With that level of responsibility and effort, I believe they should be compensated.”
On the final day of the conference, SNCAE members had the opportunity to give back. They visited North Rowan Elementary School, where they worked together to enhance the school environment. From building furniture to painting a vibrant mural, the future educators poured their time and creativity into supporting a community of current teachers and students.
The weekend was a reminder that the future of education is in capable, passionate hands. These students are not only preparing to become great teachers—they are becoming leaders in the fight for better schools, stronger communities, and a brighter future for every child.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, but I knew I didn’t want to work in the medical field,” said Devin Jennings, a student at Barton College. “Teaching stood out to me because it’s a way to support others as they grow, and it gives me the chance to make a positive impact in their lives.”
