Hawk's Eye View: Micheala Wood '26

Micheala Wood ’26 has always known she wanted to be a teacher. In fall 2026, she begins her first year as fifth-grade educator, bringing with her a passion for literacy, relationship-building and creating a classroom where every student feels seen and supported. A graduate of the Watson College of Education, Wood is eager to inspire a lifelong love of learning and make a lasting impact on the next generation.  

In this latest Hawk’s Eye View, Wood reflects on the experiences that shaped her as an educator, the lessons she’ll carry into her first classroom and the advice she has for future Seahawks pursuing a career in teaching. 

You are beginning your first year as a 5th grade teacher. What are you most excited about as you step into the classroom? 

I’m most excited to build relationships with my students and spread the love of reading to them! English Language Arts (ELA) in elementary school was not my strong suit, so I hope that I can make it a little more enjoyable for them. 

What inspired you to pursue elementary education? 

I have always wanted to be a teacher, even since elementary school. My love for multiplication sparked that interest, as well as my fifth-grade teacher, who let me wear his badge and grade papers during career day. My sister and I would always play school, teaching our stuffed animals what we learned in class. I think that tells you I’ve wanted to be a teacher for a while! 

Was there a professor or mentor at Watson College of Education who shaped your teaching philosophy? 

Dr. Ryan is a professor who shaped my teaching philosophy. She taught me that books are windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors into our own and others’ experiences in life. We are able to see ourselves and others in the books we read, and I think that is a beautiful thing.  

What is one lesson you hope every student takes away from your classroom? 

I hope my students learn that they learn as much from me as I learn from them. I start each teaching day saying, “Thank you for letting me teach you something new today. I hope you learn as much as I learn from you.” We are always learning from every interaction we have. They make me a better teacher just by being in my classroom. I hope I am able to give them something they will always remember. 

Looking back, what is one UNCW memory you will always cherish? 

One memory I will always cherish from UNCW is being an RA. I got to meet so many people and make lasting memories with them, just as they left a lasting impact on me. There were hard days, but I wouldn't have traded the experience for the world. Shoutout Sandpiper and my RC, Emilee Fuller, for helping me grow into the person I am today. 

What advice would you give future education majors before student teaching? 

Remember your why. I know it sounds cliché but that was the reason I kept going. My students loved to make me drawings, and I would hang them on my door so I could see them as I left each day. Their love and support kept me going each day. I still have every drawing and card, and I plan to make a space for them in my classroom, along with drawings from my future students, so I always have a part of them with me. When you don’t see the impact you are making, chances are they do, and they appreciate it. 

How do you hope to stay connected with UNCW? 

I follow a lot of the UNCW accounts on Instagram so I can keep up with what’s going on. I also plan to keep in contact with the friends I met at UNCW. Maybe on my days off I can come back and visit UNCW and Wilmington. It is such a lovely place, and I am grateful to UNCW and Wilmington for shaping me into who I am today.