The National Teaching Fellowship is the opportunity to serve middle school students through the expanded learning day in one of eight states.  This is the third of a regional series to profile each of our locations. “I've lived in New York and Washington, D.C., and North Carolina is my favorite place that I've ever lived.” –Zach Bradt, Teaching Fellow Class of ‘13

So you’re an ambitious, adventurous college senior about to set out on a path to career success.  As you consider The National Teaching Fellowship, consider this: North Carolina.

The Recruitment and Admissions Team sat down with North Carolina Operations Manager Sara-Kathryn Ferrell and second-year Teaching Fellow Zach Bradt on why the Fellowship is great down South...

Southern Hospitality

The first year of the Fellowship is tough.  You will learn how to not only instruct students, but also how to communicate with corporate volunteers and project manage.  All Citizen Schools regions will support you, but the advantage of working in North Carolina is having a smaller team and friendly citizens.  Operations Manager Sara-Kathryn Ferrell says Teaching Fellows have more of an opportunity to take leadership and regional roles. Currently serving Teaching Fellow Zach Bradt adds that after school hours, Fellows can be found at a local baseball game, going out to dinner, or just hanging out on the weekends.

A Life Between Weekdays

Because the cost of living in North Carolina is relatively low, Teaching Fellows are able to enjoy activities that range from sporting events to day trips to the coast. Charlotte and Durham both offer unique and fun atmospheres. Charlotte is home to professional teams in football and basketball, a National Whitewater Center, an Uptown nightlife, and is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Durham is in the heart of Tobacco Road college basketball and has a famous minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls. The neighboring cities of Raleigh and Chapel Hill also offer sporting events, concerts and delicious barbecue. Whether in Charlotte or Durham, both cities are a few hours away from the mountains or the beach.

Mountains AND Beach?  Hikers and Swimmers, Rejoice!

Indeed.  Again, low-cost outdoor entertainment is readily available in North Carolina.  Mountain-wise, North Carolina is home to Mount Mitchell, which is the tallest mountain in the Eastern United States, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  You could even visit where part of “The Hunger Games” was filmed in the Pisgah National Forest.  Beach-wise, Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington is not far.  Wilmington, or “Filmington,” is where the famous television series of “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” were filmed.

Notable Partners

North Carolina has strong partnerships with University of North Carolina at Charlotte, EMC, Cisco and the Environmental Protection Agency.  Apprenticeships this semester even include one called “Pet Responsibility” where a member of the Charlotte Police Department brings in their canine companion and is teaching the students about how to properly care for a pet. Another notable one is "MAD Science" where students make cell phone applications, collect data and analyze the results.

So if you like friendly people, great barbecue and a comfortable cost of living, consider North Carolina.

The next deadline to apply for the National Teaching Fellowship is March 18. Apply here today!