“I actually teach at the high school that I graduated from.”
Marisha Merchant, a proud graduate of White Oak High School in Jacksonville and now a dedicated teacher there, is a product of North Carolina’s public schools—and a passionate advocate for them.
“I was raised by a public-school educator,” Merchant shares. “My mom retired after 31 years in public schools, mostly teaching in Jones County schools and so, you know like I say, being raised by a public-school educator, public schools paid our bills.”
That reality is common across North Carolina, where local public schools are often among the top three employers in many counties. Inspired by her mother’s example, Merchant followed a similar path, earning her degree from North Carolina Central University and becoming a teacher herself.
But like many educators, she encountered challenges. After a few difficult years in the classroom, Merchant stepped away from the profession, only to realize how deeply rooted her calling truly was.
“It just didn't feel right,” she says. “I'm supposed to be in somebody’s classroom. So, I found my way back.”
Now in her 13th year of teaching, Merchant not only shares her mother’s career, but also her commitment to advocacy through the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE).
“My mom has been a member of NCAE through most of her career,” she explains.
It was the protection’s provided by the union, as well as the advocacy work to better conditions for educators and students that has kept her in the union and doing the work to improve education in North Carolina.
“I cannot have a clear conscience without doing my part to make things as close to right as we can get again, because it has not always been like this.”
She’s right. North Carolina was once considered an education state, even approaching the national average for teacher pay. But in recent years, public education has been under attack. Today, the state ranks 43rd in the nation in teacher pay. For Merchant, the current situation is clear.
Quote byMarisha Merchant , High School English Teacher
Yet she remains a shining example of the dedication educators bring to their students, regardless of pay or recognition. She recalls one instance when a student, feeling ill after donating blood for the first time, needed care. Without hesitation, she bought them food out of her own pocket.
“At least once a year student will slip up and call me mom because, I'm checking on them to that extent, they will say that I remind them of their mom, even if I don't necessarily act like their mom just because I'm checking on them and making sure they're doing what they supposed to be doing.”
In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Merchant now serves on Governor Josh Stein’s Teacher Advisory Committee. She says she was shocked when she received the invitation via email—and even questioned whether it was real.
“I took a screenshot and posted it on Facebook and Instagram, like, ‘Anybody else get one of these? Is this legit?’” she recalls. “Then [NCAE President] Tamika [Walker Kelly] messaged me saying, ‘It’s legit. Please respond, I recommended you for something. You’re welcome.’”
Now officially called into service by the Governor and the President of NCAE, Merchant sees the role as an opportunity to amplify the voices of educators.
“We are struggling,” she says plainly. “We are just struggling to survive professionally.”
Even beyond this new leadership role, Merchant wears many hats. She serves her school community as the Beginning Teacher Coordinator, mentor, and NCAE building representative—all while balancing life as a wife and mother of two.
Despite the demands, she credits her faith as her sustaining force.
“God is not going to intentionally put more on us than He knows we can carry. So when I’m faced with a tough situation, while it may feel overwhelming in the moment, I take it as a compliment. He’s not going to willingly hand me over to Satan.”
Merchant’s journey—from student to teacher reminds us of the power of educators who return home to uplift their communities and fight for a better future.
