Michelle Clift Scibetta '26M

Michelle Clift-Scibetta has long been part of the community at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry (CFCI), a K-8 public charter school in Wilmington. After 11 years as a teaching assistant, she became the school’s art teacher. In May, she completed her transition to lead educator, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching in art education from UNCW’s Watson College of Education.

“After eleven years as a teaching assistant at CFCI — and as an active member and parent of the community — stepping into the art teacher role felt like a natural progression,” she said. “My extensive background in art, combined with a deep passion for working with students, made it a fitting next step.”

Clift-Scibetta brings a rich artistic background to the classroom. A metalsmith, painter and former gallery owner, she holds a degree in art/metalsmithing with a minor in classical studies from East Carolina University. Her decision to pursue UNCW’s residency pathway was influenced by the strong partnership between CFCI and the Watson College of Education.

“I had watched many of my colleagues achieve a level of teaching excellence through that program, and I wanted the same for myself,” she said.

While the transition felt natural, the path was demanding. Clift-Scibetta balanced teaching nine grade levels full time while completing her MAT coursework and licensure requirements. She credits the support of school leaders, colleagues and the broader CFCI community with helping her succeed.

A key advantage of the residency program, she said, was the opportunity to intern in her own classroom, making the learning immediately relevant and applicable.

“Throughout the program, I was able to bring lesson ideas and research-based practices directly into my classroom in real time,” she said.

The program also helped her expand her professional network, something she values as a charter school educator.

“One of the most rewarding aspects was connecting with other art educators in the area,” she said. “As a teacher in a charter school, collaborating with fellow art educators is something I consider a genuine privilege, and a program like UNCW’s makes that possible while also fostering professional development and leadership growth.”

For Clift-Scibetta, art education plays a critical role in student development.

“Art education, at its core, helps students develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom — creative problem-solving, critical thinking, perseverance and a sense of agency,” she said. “I encourage anyone entering the field to ground their practice in research-based pedagogy so that we can continue to educate the whole child and advocate for the vital role the arts play in education.”