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Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee Profile: Mark Townley

Governor Roy Cooper speaking as part of Students@Work week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMax Dragway Tower (Alex Granados/EducationNC)

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What made you decide to become a teacher?

I became a teacher because it combined the things I was most passionate about: Working with kids as a coach and educator, and the opportunity to grow in the Earth and Environmental Science fields with my degree in Geology.

What’s the most worthwhile part of being a teacher?

There are two things that drive my ambition in my classroom. Hearing my student’s success stories after high school and knowing they are happy and well, and writing a lesson plan or project that creates an atmosphere of wonder and introspection with my students.

What can be done to better appreciate our teachers?

Our teachers are well educated professionals and deserve to be respected and treated as such. We can show them appreciation by giving them the time and resources to collaborate and share best practices.

What’s one piece of advice you have for aspiring teachers?

Know your brand. If you understand what your strengths are, what type of curriculum you want to develop, and how you best connect with people, then you will have a more positive impact on the students and teachers you work with.

Editor’s note: This Q&A was originally published on Governor Cooper’s Medium website.