Spark Spotlight Teacher: Buncombe County Schools Teacher Caroline Clark

Buncombe County Schools Teacher Caroline Clark has been teaching fourth and fifth grade for the past ten years, and she loves creating long-lasting relationships with her students. Having come from generations of educators, one might say that she was always meant to be a teacher. Originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, Caroline attended Montreat College and has called Western North Carolina her home since 2009. We had a chance to meet and catch up with Caroline to learn more about her and how she gives back to the community and her students. 

1. How long have you been a teacher? 

This is my tenth year of teaching. 

2. What caused you to want to become a teacher? 

I joke that teaching is “in my blood” because I come from generations of teachers! I have always been drawn to jobs/activities that help others, especially young people. It’s a calling for me. 

3. What do you enjoy most about teaching? 

I love forming relationships with my students and their families. It is a privilege to be with my students and help them in their learning journey. 

4. What is your favorite subject to teach? 

I’ve really enjoyed focusing on math and science these last few years. Our fifth grade science content is especially cool, but I also like changing mindsets towards math. A lot of students (and adults) have misconceptions related to whether or not they are a ‘math person’. It’s wonderful to see students growing in their thinking. 

5. What is most important to you as a teacher? 

I want each student to know that they matter! More than my students learning math and science, I want each student to know they are loved and cared for. 

6. What is most rewarding about being a teacher? 

I love seeing how things I say start “sinking in” with my students. For example, I talk a lot about how my students are the future and how we want each student to be successful. I love seeing students support, care for, and include each other during the day without teacher-prompting. 

7. When someone walks into your classroom, what do you want them to see? 

I want guests to see my students engaged in learning, usually in small groups, partners or on independent activities, or during a student-led whole group activity. I want guests to see my students as self-motivated and as self-starters, who care for their learning and care that their neighbor learns, too. I want them to see how my students are comfortable with challenges and mistakes!

In her free time, you can find Caroline hiking and biking with her friends around Black Mountain. She and her husband love food, so they enjoy trying out different restaurants around town. Caroline is also the school’s leader and head coach for Girls On the Run (GOTR), a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to build self-confidence, decision-making skills, and long-lasting healthy habits for life. 

To find out more about Buncombe County Schools, visit www.buncombeschools.org