Watson Chronicle

Welcome to the Watson Chronicle! Here, you'll find the latest updates, stories, and articles for the Watson College of Education. Stay connected. Explore our news below!

Congratulations to May Graduates

In May, the Watson College of Education celebrated the achievements of our most recent graduates at receptions held at the college, and official commencement ceremonies, held May 8 and 9 in Trask Coliseum.

Congratulations to May Graduates

WCE Celebrates Residency Teachers

This spring, 22 residency teachers completed graduate programs at UNCW’s Watson College of Education, advancing toward full licensure through flexible, career-focused pathways into the classroom. We are pleased to share a new video featuring educators who entered the profession as residency teachers.

WCE Celebrates Residency Teachers

Residency Pathways to Teaching

Residency teachers enter the profession through many paths. Some are career changers—from the military or other fields—while others move from private to public schools. Many are recent graduates with degrees outside education. Some begin in MAT programs as traditional graduate students or teaching assistants and step into lead teaching roles, completing their degrees as residency teachers.

In this issue of the Watson Chronicle, we’re pleased to share a selection of their stories.

Marisa Hayes '26M

A love of history inspired Marisa Hayes to become a middle school social studies teacher in Brunswick County. She spent three years as a residency teacher in Brunswick County while completing her MAT in middle grades education at UNCW.

Marisa Hayes '26M

Jennifer Casey

After 15 years advocating for children in social work, Jennifer Casey found a rewarding second career as a high school English teacher. She earned a graduate certificate in secondary education from UNCW’s Watson College of Education in May.

Jennifer Casey

Kellie Brumble '26M

Years of coaching volleyball led Kellie Brumble to discover a passion for teaching. Now a sixth grade math teacher in Greenville, she recently graduated from WCE’s MAT program in elementary education.

Kellie Brumble '26M

Cole Chipman '24, '26M

A UNCW exercise science graduate and son of two educators, Cole Chipman has found his passion and purpose in teaching. He began his career as a residency teacher in Wilkes County and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in PE/Health in May.

Cole Chipman '24, '26M

Tina Collins '26M

After years moving as a military spouse, Tina Collins found her path in education through substitute teaching, then as an instructional assistant. She became a residency teacher in Pender County and earned her MAT in May.

Tina Collins '26M

Triniti Lambert

With a background in exercise science, chemistry and volleyball, Triniti Lambert found her calling in teaching and coaching. A residency teacher earning secondary science licensure this summer, she values the opportunity to learn while leading her own classroom.

Triniti Lambert

Jennifer Blandin '26M

Originally planning for law school, Jennifer Blandin found her calling in teaching. A sixth grade social studies teacher, she says pursing her master’s as a residency teacher – with an opportunity to grow professionally while actively teaching – been an invaluable experience.

Jennifer Blandin '26M

Michelle Clift Scibetta '26M

Michelle Clift-Scibetta was a teaching assistant and active parent in her school community for several years before stepping into her role as residency art teacher. She earned her MAT in Art Education from UNCW’s Watson College of Education in May.

Michelle Clift Scibetta '26M

Jessica Wheeler

After teaching Spanish briefly and spending years as a military spouse and stay-at-home mom, Jessica Wheeler returned to the classroom. She now teaches high school ESL and earned her graduate certificate from UNCW in May.

Jessica Wheeler

Mary Carper '26M

Mary Carper became a residency Spanish teacher in Forsyth County after earning degrees in Spanish and biology. She says UNCW’s MAT program strengthened her teaching and supports her passion for inspiring curiosity through language.

Mary Carper '26M

Watson College Faculty and Staff Honored with University Awards and Recognitions

Watson College faculty and staff members were recognized for excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentoring and service at UNCW’s 2026 Faculty Awards Celebration and related university award events.

Watson College Faculty and Staff Honored with University Awards and Recognitions

Julia Lynch Co-authors new Book on Student Voice A new book co-authored by Watson College’s Julia Lynch explores how centering student voice can transform literacy learning. Julia Lynch Co-authors new Book on Student Voice

Rethinking Music Education in Rural America A new two-volume series edited by Daniel Johnson highlights the strengths, challenges and creative potential of music education in rural schools. Rethinking Music Education in Rural America

Shawn Savage Selected for UC Berkeley Visiting Scholars Program Shawn Savage has been selected for the 2026 cohort of UC Berkeley’s prestigious CREEO Visiting Scholars Program, recognizing his justice-focused research in education. Shawn Savage Selected for UC Berkeley Visiting Scholars Program

Teaching with Joy Network Awarded Community Grant

The Teaching with Joy Network at UNCW’s Watson College of Education has received a 2026 Community Grant from The Endowment to expand the initiative in New Hanover County.

Teaching with Joy Network Awarded Community Grant

Recent WCE Events

Future Teachers Conference attendees giving Wings Up

Future Teacher Conference Watson welcomed a record 161 students to the Future Teacher Conference in April. Representing 21 North Carolina high schools, one community college (CFCC) and a South Carolina high school, participants enjoyed a high-energy, hands-on introduction to life at Watson and the many pathways into education.

Students and faculty talking with the Cape Fear Literacy Council

Watson ENGAGE! WCE’s Office of Partnerships & Engagement hosted the inaugural Watson ENGAGE! on April 23, bringing together local community agencies with Watson students, faculty and staff. The event sparked new connections and explored opportunities for classroom partnerships, place-based learning and collaborative research.

UNCW STEM Expo 2026 More than 230 attendees joined the UNCW STEM Expo 2026 to celebrate North Carolina’s coast and discover why “Science Matters.” Hosted by MarineQuest as part of the North Carolina Science Festival, the free, family-friendly event featured interactive, hands-on activities highlighting science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Upcoming Events

Join us for STEM SENC’s Singapore Math Summit on June 10 and CESTEM’s PK-12 STEM Education Conference on June 11. Plus, save the date for one of our Future Teacher Conferences coming this fall in September and November 2026!

Upcoming Events

Abby Comprelli ’26

Captain of the UNCW dance team and an aspiring teacher, Abby Comprelli ’26 has grown as both an athlete and a future educator during her time at UNCW.

Abby Comprelli ’26

Tommy Steele ’27M

Tommy Steele ’27M, a New Zealand native studying higher education at UNCW, has transformed his own experience of culture shock into a passion for building community.

Tommy Steele ’27M

Kara Toret

Journeying to Walt Disney World and back, Kara Toret still considers the classroom “the most magical place on Earth."

Kara Toret

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching

Callie Majors ’26

Recognized for excellence in teaching at WCE’s Partnership Celebration, Callie was praised for her professionalism, creativity and passion for education. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education in May.

McKenna Nocera ’26

McKenna was honored for excellence in teaching at WCE’s Partnership Celebration for creating an engaging classroom and building strong relationships with students and families. She graduated in May with a degree in Elementary Education.

Shalay Blue-Diaz ’26M

Shalay received a WCE Exemplary Intern Award for her creative, collaborative and student-centered approach to teaching. She earned her MAT in Middle Grades Education in May.

Ann Coppin Miranda ’26M

Ann received a WCE Exemplary Intern Award for creating culturally rich, engaging lessons that inspire meaningful discussion and global perspectives. She earned her MAT in Spanish Education in May.

Mackenzie Lopes ’26

Mackenzie received the Grace M. Burton Promise of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching Award for her outstanding support of students with intellectual disabilities. She graduated in May with a degree in Special Education

WCE Highlights

WCE Graduation Reception

Watson College celebrated spring graduates and their families on May 8 with a reception filled with food, photos and plenty of Seahawk pride.

Ed.D. Graduate Celebration

Watson honored its spring Ed.D. graduates on May 7, celebrating their scholarship, leadership and dedication to the field of education.

Seahawk Preview Day

Watson faculty, staff and students welcomed admitted first-year and transfer students during Seahawk Preview Day, sharing programs, opportunities and a glimpse into life at Watson.

BOT Presentation

Kara Toret, Gwen Engler and Will McDowell, all members of WCE’s Education Learning Community, explored hands-on learning at Disney’s Imagination Campus and Kennedy Space Center, then shared their experiences with UNCW’s Board of Trustees Education Planning Committee.

Soar to Restore Showcase

ELC students Kelcey Worley, Abigail Lee and Kaylee Horigan presented original mixed-media artwork at UNCW’s Soar to Restore event, highlighting creativity, curiosity and the power of learning.

STEM Pop Up Workshop

WCE’s Curriculum Materials Center and CESTEM hosted their first STEM Pop Up Workshop in April, featuring children’s literature, hands-on STEM activities and interactive learning with Sphero Indi cars.

Participants playing with crafts in the CMC

MarineQuest Adventure

D.C. Virgo sixth graders explored Fort Fisher with MarineQuest in April, investigating marine life and collecting weather data during a day of hands-on coastal science.

Children’s Museum Visit

Hands-on learning in action! Early childhood seniors joined Randall Wells for a visit to the Wilmington Children’s Museum, where they explored place-based education and saw how learning through play sparks curiosity, creativity and discovery.

Boston Marathon Achievement

Isaac Bear Coordinator & Liaison Frances Carter completed the Boston Marathon in April, inspiring the Watson community with her dedication, perseverance and grit

Francis Carter at the finish line of the Boston Marathon

Disney Springtime Surprise 10K

Special Education faculty member Alex Chambers brought Watson spirit to Walt Disney World this spring while completing the runDisney Springtime Surprise 10K.