Kellie Brumble '26M

Years of coaching volleyball led Kellie Brumble to discover a passion for teaching.

“I often ran practices like a classroom,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to make an impact on kids and help them reach their full potential.”

Now a sixth grade math teacher at E.B. Aycock Middle School in Greenville, Brumble earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary education from UNCW’s Watson College of Education in May.

Brumble, who holds a bachelor’s degree in physical activity and fitness from East Carolina University, began her journey in education in 2015 as a teacher assistant in an EC-IDMOD elementary classroom — a self-contained special education setting for students with intellectual disabilities.

“That’s where I truly found my passion for teaching,” she said. “After seven years as a TA, I took the leap into my own classroom and haven’t looked back since.”

As a residency teacher, Brumble enrolled in Watson’s MAT in elementary education program, which leads to North Carolina K-6 licensure. While much of her field experience took place in her own classroom, the program also provided opportunities to work with younger students.

“I had the opportunity to spend two semesters working in Mrs. Ellis’ second grade classroom at Elmhurst Elementary School, just a few minutes from E.B. Aycock,” Brumble said. “This experience allowed me to see what it looks like to teach subjects beyond math and broaden my understanding of elementary instruction. Mrs. Ellis’ experience and leadership made it incredibly valuable and rewarding.”

Balancing a full-time teaching job while pursuing licensure was both demanding and fulfilling, she said.

“Managing graduate school deadlines, teaching responsibilities and being a mom to a busy, sports-involved child required careful planning and finding the right balance,” Brumble said. “Asking for help was essential. Watson’s MAT program supported me every step of the way. The professors and staff showed grace when I needed flexibility and were always available when I had questions. I truly can’t say enough about how much I’ve valued this program and my experience at UNCW.”

For those considering the residency pathway, Brumble encourages patience and perspective.

“There will always be challenging days, but don’t let them define you,” she said. “Learn from them and start fresh with a positive mindset each day. The residency pathway is a great option for those who did not originally earn a degree in teaching, and it has helped me grow tremendously as an educator. From day one, the faculty and staff at Watson have been supportive, approachable and truly invested in my success. I would highly recommend the program to anyone considering this path.”