Cole Chipman '24, '26M

For Cole Chipman, teaching feels like a natural fit. The son of two educators, he grew up seeing firsthand the impact teachers can have on students’ lives. Today, he is building that same impact as a physical education teacher at C.C. Wright Elementary School in Wilkes County.

Chipman earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from UNCW before enrolling in UNCW’s Master of Arts in Teaching in physical education program. He began the program as a traditional graduate student, then stepped into a lead teacher role partway through, completing his degree and earning North Carolina licensure in May while working full time as a residency teacher.

“I chose to become a teacher because it’s all I’ve known growing up,” Chipman said. “Seeing my mom and dad value their students, and hearing about their experiences as teachers, made my interest grow stronger. As I got older and worked with elementary students, I realized teaching was truly a passion. I love the energy, compassion and purpose it brings to my life, and seeing my students smile and succeed.”

Chipman said balancing full-time teaching while completing his master’s degree was daunting at first, but he quickly found his footing.

“It became a lot easier as I found my own pace and learned how to manage the program along with teaching efficiently,” he said. “My professors were very understanding and always there if I needed anything. UNCW had a pacing schedule that helped me manage what needed to be completed each week, so my stress eased as the semester went on.”

Reflecting on the experience, Chipman said the residency pathway helped him grow professionally and personally.

“I’ve grown so much as an educator and as a person through this process,” he said. “For others considering the residency pathway, my biggest advice is to take it one day at a time, and trust that it will work out. Seeing your students succeed — and simply be happy — is an accomplishment in itself and reminds you you’re doing your job well.”