Bridgette Gruber '25

Bridgette Gruber will graduate in May with a degree in Elementary Education. This spring, she received a Hattie M. Strong Scholarship award. The Watson College is pleased to share the story of Bridgette’s journey to becoming a teacher – and what the scholarship means – in her own words.

Bridgette’s Journey to Becoming a Teacher

I am currently enrolled in the Elementary Education program at UNCW with dual concentrations in Science/Health and Math/Technology. Originally, I’m from Ariton, Alabama, a small town in the southeastern part of the state. However, thanks to my husband’s 20-year career in the Marine Corps, we’ve had the opportunity to call many places home. This year, he retired, and we have decided to settle permanently in Hampstead, NC, where we are excited to put down roots.

My path to teaching wasn’t a straight one. I originally pursued a degree in Chemistry with plans to attend pharmacy school, but frequent moves as a military spouse made that challenging. When we had children, I chose to pause my education and dedicate my time to raising them. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when my son experienced kindergarten through virtual learning, I found myself supplementing his lessons and discovering new, engaging ways to help him learn. That experience sparked something in me—I realized just how much I loved creating learning opportunities and supporting children in their educational journey.

Once both of my kids were in school, I volunteered in classrooms as much as I could, and that solidified my decision. I knew I wanted to be a teacher. When researching education programs, I was looking for one that would allow me to earn my degree while still being present for my family. UNCW’s Watson College of Education stood out because of its strong reputation and the flexibility of its online program. From the moment I enrolled, I have felt nothing but support from my advisors, professors, supervisors, and even financial aid staff. Everyone at UNCW has gone above and beyond to ensure I have the resources I need to succeed. The early and consistent classroom experiences have been invaluable, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned each semester in real school settings.

One of the most impactful experiences during my time at UNCW has been working at the Jacksonville Ed Lab. I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with a student, providing support in both reading and math. This experience not only allowed me to apply instructional strategies in a focused setting but also taught me the importance of patience, differentiation, and building relationships with students. Dr. Bellas and Ms. Wittman provided incredible guidance, helping me refine my lesson planning and develop the skill of self-reflection—an essential part of growing as an educator. The hands-on experience I gained at the Ed Lab reinforced my confidence in working with students who benefit from additional support and gave me practical tools that I will carry into my future classroom.

I have also had the privilege of gaining experience at three different schools in Pender County—Surf City Elementary, South Topsail Elementary, and North Topsail Elementary. This semester, I am completing my internship in a 3rd-grade classroom at North Topsail Elementary, where I also completed field experience last semester. Having that continuity—getting to know the students, understanding the classroom structure, and working closely with my partnership teacher and co-teacher—has made the transition to full-time student teaching feel seamless.

My partnership teacher, Bridget Wortman, has been an incredible mentor, not only welcoming me into her classroom but also taking the time to guide, challenge, and support me as I grow into my role as an educator. She has been intentional in providing opportunities for me to take the lead, while also offering constructive feedback and valuable insights from her years of experience. Her willingness to invest in me as a student teacher has helped shape my confidence and readiness to step into my own classroom. Because of her mentorship, I feel more prepared, excited, and eager to embrace the responsibilities of a full-time teacher.

Receiving the Hattie M. Strong Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express. When I made the decision to return to school, my biggest concern was ensuring that it wouldn’t place a financial burden on my family. Thanks to this scholarship, I can focus entirely on my internship experience without that worry, allowing me to give my best to my students and truly immerse myself in this invaluable learning opportunity. I am beyond grateful for the support.

Beyond my coursework, I am an active member of Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi. While I am open to teaching different grade levels, my heart has been with 3rd grade since the beginning of my journey. I have a deep love for math and science, but through my experiences at UNCW, I’ve also developed a strong passion for teaching English Language Arts. I started this journey thinking I would prefer to teach only STEM subjects, but now, I’m excited about teaching any subject to any grade level—I just can’t wait to share my love of learning with my future students and help them discover their own.