February 11, 2025
Kailee Peck is a special education teacher at Knightdale Elementary School. She is a graduate of Millbrook High School and North Carolina State University.
What made you want to pursue a career as an educator?
I pursued a career in education because of the strong women who inspired me throughout my life. My grandma taught first grade for over 40 years, and my mom taught during my elementary years. Their dedication to helping all students succeed and the meaningful relationships they built motivated me, as I wanted to be just like them! Hearing from former students about my grandmother and mother's positive impacts on their lives inspires me to make a difference, particularly for students with disabilities.
Which WCPSS schools did you attend?
I attended WCPSS schools for my entire academic career, starting at Wildwood Forest Elementary, moving on to Durant Road Middle, and finally graduating from Millbrook High School.
How did the Future Teachers program help you?
The Future Teachers program was instrumental in shaping my teaching career! It gave me essential tools and strategies to thrive in the classroom while fostering valuable relationships with my cohort and WCPSS personnel. One of the most beneficial aspects was the hands-on experience I gained through various workshops and support sessions. Each training was invaluable in its own way, as they equipped me with the skills necessary to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. The program also emphasized the importance of building meaningful relationships with students, which I have carried into my classroom. I often refer back to the notes and resources I gathered during this time, which still assist me in my teaching practice today. I had the chance to work closely with other aspiring educators, sharing resources, ideas, and feedback. The relationships I developed with my cohort were incredibly supportive, and many of us still stay in touch today!
What excites you most about being a teacher?
What excites me most about being a teacher is witnessing my students' growth from the start to the end of the year. This growth is not just academic but also social and emotional! Celebrating those moments of progress, no matter how small, gives me immense joy. I firmly believe in the principle of "progress over perfection," as every step forward is significant!
Would you encourage students to apply to the Future Teachers program? Why?
I wholeheartedly encourage students to apply to the Future Teachers program! The Wake County Future Teachers program offers a unique opportunity for future teachers to grow into the educators they aspire to be before stepping into their own classrooms. The Future Teachers program will prepare you for the classroom and allow you to feel a sense of community among other future educators. You can network with WCPSS staff, ask questions to enrich your future teaching practice, and gather resources for your teaching. I am grateful for the experiences and relationships I built during this time, as they have shaped me into the teacher I am today!
The Future Teachers program is a recruitment initiative to develop the district’s internal student talent. Future Teachers participants are WCPSS high school graduates who intend to pursue careers in education and commit to teaching with us upon completing their teacher preparation programs.
