New IBWT Videos Celebrate Inspiring Teachers

The Watson College is pleased to share a new collection of “It Begins with Teachers” videos featuring eight outstanding alumni and partnership teachers: Jeremy Buie, Jessica Harvey ’12M, Brad Hodges ’07, ’13M, Benjamin Lord ’22M, Kylee Maarschalk, Hannah Moon ’08M, Brooks Rockwell ’23M, and Natalie Tidler ’24M.

Each of these educators exemplifies the dedication, creativity, and joy that define the teaching profession—and the spirit of the Watson College community.

Featured Teachers

Jeremy Buie teaches biology at Ashley High School. He is a longtime Watson College partnership teacher and founding member of WCE’s Teaching with Joy Network.

Jessica Harvey is a social studies teacher at Laney High School and New Hanover County Schools’ 2025-26 High School Educator of the Year. A WCE partnership teacher and founding member of both Laney Leaders (NHCS Emerging Leaders program) and theTeaching with Joy Network, she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from the Watson College.

Brad Hodges teaches eighth grade social studies at Murray Middle School. He is a WCE partnership teacher and a member of the 2022-2025 Master Teachers cohort. He holds a B.A. in criminal justice and an M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education from UNCW.

Benjamin Lord is a seventh grade social studies teacher at Myrtle Grove Middle School and New Hanover County Schools’ 2025-26 Middle School and Overall Educator of the Year. He holds dual degrees in French and History from the University of Warwick (England), and an M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education from the Watson College.

Kylee Maarschalk is an English teacher at New Hanover High School. She is a National Board Certified teacher and participant in the NHCS Emerging Leaders program. She is also a WCE partnership teacher, member of the Master Teachers program and founding member of the Teaching with Joy Network.

Hannah Moon is an English teacher at Laney High School and North Carolina’s 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year. A National Board Certified teacher, partnership teacher, Master Teacher, and founding member of the Teaching with Joy Network, she holds degrees in English Literature and Secondary Education from UNCW.

Brooks Rockwell is a second grade teacher at Belville Elementary School. He began his career in education as a teaching assistant before becoming a residency kindergarten teacher. He earned his M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the Watson College in 2023.

Natalie Tidler teaches third grade at Rocky Point Elementary School where she was named a 2025 Teacher of Promise. She earned her M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the Watson College in December 2024.

About “It Begins with Teachers”

“It Begins with Teachers” is a long-standing campaign celebrating the teaching profession through stories of educators and the teachers who inspired them. The videos are produced by UNCW’s media production team in collaboration with the Watson College of Education.

Visit the It Begins with Teachers website to view more videos.

About Watson’s Teacher Education Programs

There are many pathways to becoming a teacher. The Watson College of Education offers:

• Undergraduate and transfer programs with multiple specializations
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs for career changers
• Residency licensure pathways for residency teachers

Join the Watson family for exceptional programs, hands-on learning, and a strong community of support.