English degrees open doors in many fields, and three College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) alumnae are choosing to lead, inspire and make a difference in the classroom. As first-year teachers, they’ve already earned high praise and recognition, demonstrating the strength and versatility of their CHASS education.

Their early success reflects the skills they gained at NC State. Grounded in critical thinking, analysis and communication, a CHASS education prepares graduates to pursue a wide range of professional paths — including teaching, which the Department of English supports through a concentration in teacher education.

Those skills are now helping the three alumnae engage students, solve problems creatively, and approach challenges with empathy and confidence. Meet the three alumnae and learn about the honors they received:

Kelly Power ’25 earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in teacher education. She is an English teacher at Millbrook Magnet High School and received a 2025-26 Diane Kent Parker first-year teacher award from the Wake County Public School System.

Nicole Riggs ’25 earned a master’s degree in English with a concentration in rhetoric and composition. She is a teacher at Four Oaks Middle School and was named the Johnston County Public Schools Outstanding First-Year Teacher.

Kennedy Elmore ’25 earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in teacher education. She is an English teacher at Cox Mill High School and was selected as a finalist for the 2026 North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Burrough’s Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.

Each has been recognized for bringing energy, creativity and care to the classroom. From designing engaging lessons and encouraging critical thinking to applying research and utilizing media and rhetoric in lessons, they are creating learning environments that promote student success.

In their classrooms, that engagement takes shape in distinct and thoughtful ways:

In Their Own Words

Kelly Power

How do you help students see the real-world value of what they learn in English class?
I connect reading and writing to skills students use every day — communicating clearly, thinking critically, and understanding diverse perspectives. Whether analyzing a text or crafting an argument, students practice expressing their ideas and engaging with the world around them with purpose and empathy.

Nicole Riggs

How are you teaching writing and critical thinking in an AI-driven world?
My MA capstone focused on this topic. Within my classroom, we prioritize human agency of thought, with technology remaining a tool. Through agency and having freedom to explore subjects that matter to us personally, students feel connected to their education and are inspired to learn on their own terms.

Kennedy Elmore

How do you define and cultivate an engaging modern English classroom?
I use diverse texts and activities to allow students hands-on learning opportunities as well as life-based applications. My goal is to develop productive and empathetic citizens who have developed their own ways to think critically and can ground their thinking in both research and empathy for one another.

All three alumnae said their decision to teach stemmed from a desire to help students grow academically and personally. They see teaching as a way to empower, build confidence, recognize potential and inspire a love for reading. Being recognized so early in their careers, they said, is humbling, affirming and motivating.

It also highlights the importance of their work and the idea that knowledge can lead to fulfillment. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that effective teaching is a continuous journey of learning, reflection and dedication.

They attribute their NC State education to equipping them for the realities of today’s classrooms and providing them a strong foundation in pedagogy and practical skills. Their training highlights planning, adaptability, and an understanding of student needs.

For these CHASS alumnae, teaching is both a calling and a craft — one grounded in purpose, connection and growth. Their early recognition not only reflects the strength of a humanities education but also the vital role teachers play in shaping the next generation.